A damaged snowdog is being removed from the trail across Brighton and Hove after more vandalism.
The snowdog trail is part of a fundraising drive for the Martlets Hospice, in Hove, with 45 sponsored snowdogs on public display in dozens of locations.
But despite widespread affection, one of the snowdogs, Dudley, outside St Peter’s Church, has been damaged a number of times including by people clambering on him.
The Snowdogs by the Sea Facebook page said: “We’re sorry to announce that due to the amount of damage he’s received Dudley will be leaving the trail a little sooner than our other snowdogs.
“He will leave the trail on Friday morning to go to a very kind #SnowdogHero who is going to repair his back and give him an extensive groom.
“After Friday the festive farewell on 4 and 5 December will be the last opportunity to see Dudley before he is auctioned for Martlets Hospice on Tuesday 6 December.
“Dudley’s plinth will remain in situ until 27 November so you will still be able to scan his QR code but he will not be there to greet you.”
Dudley is based on the Dockerills dog of the same name and is sponsored by the Dockerills hardware business, which is based in Church Street, Brighton.
The dungaree-wearing snowdog was designed by artist Louise Dear, who owns the Crush gallery, also in Church Street.
Why, oh why, do some people feel the need to destroy things?
Snow dog hero to the rescue!!!!!
Its so sad that people these days have so little respect for others, life is better when you care, try it.
Dudley was one of the loveliest snow dogs. I always looked out for him and shall miss him. He was placed in one of the areas most vulnerable to vandalism and I feared he would be attacked, but I wish I could understand why people feel the need to do it.