"Devastated" family calls for help after beloved pet killed by car

Tuesday 09 August 2022

Police are investigating after a two-year-old border collie was "left to suffer and die" after being hit by a car in St. Mary.

Picasso was left "with crushed organs on the side of the road" on Thursday 4 August between 18:55 and 19:30 on La Rue Mahier in St Mary, according to his family.

The beloved pet's "devastated and shocked" owners are now reaching out to islanders for their help in finding out what happened.

Pictured: Picasso the border collie was just two years old when he died.

Although the speed limit on the road is 15mph, the family believe that the driver who hit Picasso was speeding due to the "horrendous" skid marks left on the road.

Picasso's owner, Eddie da Rocha said: "People must slow down on green lanes.

"They're supposed to be safe roads for people and animals to pass by." 

Pictured: The skid marks left on the 15mph road where Picasso was killed.

The road where the border collie was injured is right next to the St. Mary's branch of Jersey Village Vets.

The veterinary surgery's staff tried their best to to help Picasso, but unfortunately they were not able to save him as his injuries were too severe.

Picasso's family are describing this as an "incredible loss" and say that "life is going to be so hard without him", particularly for his brother, Pablo.

Eddie added: "Not only did the driver ruin a family, but made Pablo lose his brother."

Pictured: Picasso with his brother, Pablo.

They are appealing for anyone with information to help them find the driver.

In a post on Facebook, owner Eddie explained: "We as a family understand accidents happen, but it breaks us to think someone crushed up left him to die.

"...That is what's sick."

He also expressed his thanks for the staff at Jersey Village Vets in St. Mary.

Pictured: The family of Picasso have created a poster to circulate online.

Police have confirmed they are aware and investigating.

Currently the law stipulates that a motorist who injures or kills a dog has to stop their vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

They should then contact the owner of the dog, the JSPCA, or the police.

Failure to make a report is an offence, which can result in a fine up to £10,000.

Pictured: "Not only did the driver ruin a family, but made Pablo lose his brother."

A driver's duty to report an accident applies to incidents involving dogs, horses, cattle, asses, mule, sheep, pigs, goats, and, most recently, cats, after Jersey become the first place in the British Isles to extend legal protection for cats in road accidents in October 2021.