A PIGLET on a south Wiltshire farm was chased and beaten to death by a gang of youths.

In a terrifying half-hour the female piglet was let out of her pen, chased around a field and repeatedly struck on the head by rocks, a metal bar and a pointed wooden stake.

Two youths, aged 14 and 16 from Tisbury, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have admitted taking part in the attack.

Salisbury Youth Court heard that they could offer no explanation for killing the piglet but said that to start with the idea had just been to put string around its neck and walk it around the field.

Malcolm Baker, prosecuting, said the piglet had suffered 20 to 30 minutes of torture and terror before it died.

"It was simply a case of gratuitous violence," he said.

On behalf of the 14-year-old, defence solicitor Stephen Lucking, said: "He is heartily ashamed of himself."

Speaking for the 16-year-old, Mr Lucking, said: "When it became clear it wasn't going to survive he dropped a heavy rock on to the piglet to put it out of its misery. His actions were not ill intentioned."

The 14-year-old was banned from looking after any sort of animal for a year, given a referral order to monitor his behaviour and ordered to pay the farmer £10 compensation.

The 16-year-old is having an action plan prepared by the probation service to deal with his violent behaviour. A decision on costs and compensation to the farmer will be made at a later date.

Two youths from Shaftesbury were also charged with the attack. One admitted his part in the incident and was banned from keeping an animal for a year, given a referral order and ordered to pay the farmer £10.

The other has denied taking part in the attack and his case was adjourned until December 11.