A SICKENING attack on a pair of deer in Salford has prompted an international animal welfare organisation to offer a £1,000 reward.

The two muntjacs were found dead on September 19 in the Lower Irwell Valley Improvement Area, a plot of green wasteland between Salford and Bury.

The gruesome discovery followed reports that two thugs had been seen punching, kicking and stamping on the deer in Cliveley Avenue, Swinton.

Now People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

"Animal abusers are cowards," said Peta spokeswoman Suzanne Barnard.

"They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them."

The attack was slammed by residents. Duncan Lyons, 36, who lives on the street, said: "It's absolutely disgusting - whoever's done it wants locking up. You'd have to be very sick to treat an animal like this."

Worry

Mr Lyons said his son, William, 10, found the bodies in black bin bags in the communal gardens of the flats where they live. Muntjac deer populations are rising and they can survive in small areas of woodland on the edges of towns and cities.

Peta said the attack should worry local residents because animals are often 'practice' victims.

They say research suggests people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often go on to commit violent acts against humans.

RSPCA officials have already launched an investigation and said the deer could have been hunted with dogs.

Insp Natalie Avery said: "This was a very distressing sight. Both deer must have suffered unimaginably in the last few moments before their death.

"This is an horrific example of wildlife crime. Attacks like this are becoming more and more common.

"The sooner we find who were responsible for this sickening attack the better."

The RSPCA wants anyone with information about the incident to contact their 24-hour advice line, in confidence, on 0300 1234 999.

More information about Peta can be found at www.peta.org.uk