Sue Johnston's dog has been killed.
The veteran actress was left "devastated" when her beloved cocker spaniel Bo vanished last week and it has now transpired the pet pooch was shot dead by a local farmer in Marton, Cheshire.
A source told the Daily Express newspaper: "Sue is understandably very distressed about the loss. She'd like to thank everyone who helped her scour the area to try to find the dogs and also the North West Missing Dogs Network who were most helpful."
The 'Royle Family' star's dog was being walked by a friend, alongside another spaniel named Hattie, who lost sight of the animals when they chased off after some chickens.
Farmers can legally kill a dog in order to protect their livestock, as long as the shootings are reported within 48 hours.
Dog lovers on the North West Missing Dogs Network, which Sue reached out to in order to find information about her missed pet, have expressed their sympathy to her and paid tribute to Bo.
One user wrote: "RIP sweetheart. So very sad for you and your owner that it ended this way."
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