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A Snoopy sculpture targeted by vandals has been taken away for repairs – but trail organisers are hopeful it will return.

The sculpture, which was on Crescent Road, Caerphilly, had been put up on Friday, April 8, but was damaged that same morning.

A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy got underway on Friday, with six Snoopy sculptures appearing across Caerphilly town centre.

Also included in the trail, which has been organised by charity Dogs Trust, are numerous mini sculptures which have been decorated by school pupils from across Caerphilly County Borough.

The charity told Caerphilly Observer: “The sculpture has been temporarily removed from the trail and the damage is being assessed. We’re hopeful it can be repaired and re-join the trail again soon.”

Sculptures have also been put up in Porthcawl and Cardiff – where three sculptures were damaged over the weekend.

In a statement shared on social media, Dogs Trust said: “This is devastating, not only for us but for the artists who put so much hard work into their designs, the sculpture sponsors and of course the public who want to enjoy this beautiful art trail.

“A Dog’s Trail was designed to bring the people of south Wales together, to be a tourist in your own towns and cities and be proud of the creativity within the region.”

The statement continued: “We are urging the public to look after our Snoopy sculptures, take pride in the artwork and not climb or hang on them, to keep them looking their best so we can raise as much money as possible at the auction in June to help Dogs Trust continue to care for dogs across Wales.”

The charity also said it is working with the police about the damage.

Residents were quick to reply to Dogs Trust’s statement to condemn the vandalism. One resident tweeted: “Such a shame that the minority are spoiling this for the majority. Our little family had a wonderful afternoon searching for them in Caerphilly.

“Such a beautiful project with so much effort from all the local primary schools and artists. Let’s hope for no more damage.”

Morgan Jones ward councillors Jamie Pritchard and Shayne Cook said they reported the issue and were “disappointed” with the vandalism.

Caerphilly County Borough Council, which sponsors the damaged sculpture, said: “Unfortunately, Dog’s Trust have had to remove the Welsh Wildflowers Snoopy at the rear of Caerphilly Castle from the trail due to vandalism early Friday morning.

“If anyone has any information about the vandalism please contact Gwent Police on 101.”