Further proof, were it needed, that Britain has degenerated from a fun-loving democratic paradise to a yob-ravaged land in which decorated war veterans collect their pensions in armoured vehicles for fear they might fall prey to alcopop-crazed happyslapping hoodies comes today from Fulham, where "sick yobs" found a novel way to apply their motto "if it stands still, graffiti it".

Just ask animal-lover Dawn Lavall, who left her American bulldog Precious outside a shop for just 10 minutes only to find that ne'er-do-wells had taken the big felt markers to the animal's head and back.

Lavall, 43, told the Sun: "Whoever did this is sick. I'd only left her for 10 minutes while I was in the shop. When I came out I was horrified to find that someone had drawn over her. It will take me ages to get it all out."

Precious's shaken owner, who also owns 10 moggies and two guinea pigs, continued: "I just hope it doesn't have any long-term effect. She had a lovely nature, but now gets frightened when anyone goes near her."

The RSPCA is apparently investigating the incident, and chief veterinary officer Steve Cheetham confirmed: "This would have caused Precious distress."

The dog lovers among you are advised not to follow this link, which has explicit snaps of the impromptu canine street art.

As Lavall put it: "She is my baby. It makes my blood boil that someone could be so cruel. I can't see how they can get any sort of pleasure from drawing all over a defenceless animal." ®

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