A dog was shot in the head at a popular West Midlands beauty spot while shocked pet owners walked their animals just yards away.

The shot rang out across Barr Beacon Park, Walsall, before a council warden stumbled upon the gruesome discovery on a public footpath.

Workers at the site who saw the dead Staffordshire bull terrier said that the hole in its head was up to two inches wide, suggesting it was shot a point blank range.

Police have launched an investigation into the killing, which happened just after 11am yesterday, and urged anyone with information to contact them.

Aldridge Councillor John Rochelle witnessed the aftermath to the shooting, when he took his own dog for its daily walk around Barr Beacon.

He said: “It’s unbelievable to be honest. As a dog owner and an animal lover myself, I simply cannot understand how anyone could do this. It’s disgusting.

“Just as I arrived I saw the park warden, who was in a state of disbelief himself.

“It is quite shocking that someone could have done this in broad daylight, while so many other people were out walking their dogs so close by.”

Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “A gunshot was heard on the North side of Barr Beacon by some surveyors carrying out work for South Staffs Water.

“They went to investigate and discovered, very sadly, that a dog had been shot in the back of its head. They saw a Street Pride litter picker nearby and reported it to him.

“Walsall Council countryside manager Kevin Clements was contacted and he called the police.

“They conducted a search of the area and it was established that the perpetrator was no longer in the vicinity. The animal’s body has been removed by Street Pride.

“If anyone has any information about this crime I would urge them to contact police,” she added.

Staffordshire bull terriers have for some time been the most commonly dumped type of dog.

Rescue centres take in far more Staffies and Staffie-crosses as other breeds, with experts blaming reports of violent attacks for damaging the breed’s friendly reputation.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Preece asked anyone with information to contact officers on 0845 1135000.