symbol of human cruelty to animals.

But yesterday in the arms of veterinary nurse Mrs. Juliet Flood, a little puppy was revelling in the kinder side of human nature.

"He has had so much attention we are calling him Star. He really loves all the fuss being made of him,'' laughed Mrs. Flood, from Hamilton's Hannover Veterinary Hospital and Kennels.

Star's horrifying ordeal touched off an immediate wave of sympathy after it was reported in Saturday's Royal Gazette .

Calls flooded the veterinary hospital as people learned how children using a power tool tried to cut off the Rottweiler cross-bred's tail. It was left so mutilated, it had to be amputated by vet Dr. Maureen Ware.

"We've had a lot of people saying they want to adopt Star,'' said Mrs. Flood.

"He is such an adorable puppy, with a very kind nature -- gentle and frisky.'' But she explained Star, for the time being at least, would remain in the care of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Yesterday, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries representatives and SPCA assistant inspector Mr. Tracy Bean held talks over the incident.

Said Government veterinary officer, trainee, Dr. Susann Smith: "We have agreed to investigate the incident further. We also appeal for anybody who has any further information to contact us.'' People should ring either herself on 236-4201, she said, or the SPCA's Mr.

Bean.

The incident involving Star -- who is believed to be between six and seven weeks old -- occurred just after noon on Friday in the area of Roberts Avenue, Devonshire.

Sources told The Royal Gazette two men in a Government truck were passing near the scene when they heard an animal howling in pain. The men saw three teenagers with a form of power tool torturing the mite. While two of them reportedly held the puppy, a third youngster tried to cut off the tail.

Dr. Ware said she treated Star for shock, and amputated the mutilated tail after anaesthetising him.

Photographs of Star in his stricken state were also taken for identification, and a possible prosecution.

Although sadly not uncommon, Dr. Ware described the case as one of the most horrifying ones she had come across.

"The animal had obviously suffered, and there had been several failed attempts to sever the tail from the body. It was a very gruesome sight.'' Dr. Ware said Star, no doubt helped by all the attention, had made giant strides toward a full recovery.

"He has a very good appetite,'' she smiled.