A family dog has died after a lit firework exploded in its mouth in the Creggan area of the city on Friday night.
The dog's injuries were so bad that a local resident was forced to put the pet "out of its misery".
It's believed the dog picked up the banger after it was thrown at Rathlin Drive.
One resident says local people have been tortured all week with
young people throwing bangers.
"We're all disgusted by the death of the dog," he said.
"People who sell bangers to children should be ashamed of themselves.
"The dog's head was blown open, it was absolutely horrific."
It's understood the dog was later buried on a piece of open ground.
Children were yesterday seen laying flowers on the "grave."
Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said: "This must have been a very horrific incident to witness. Just this week, Sinn Fein had been warning about the sale and use of illegal fireworks in the Creggan area and the dangers this presented.
"It is highly irresponsible of anyone to sell or supply these very dangerous fireworks to young children and we would call on them to desist from this. If a child is seriously hurt, the blame will lie solely on their doorstep. It's a very small criminal element behind selling illegal and sub-standard fireworks to youngsters and they are nothing but a blight on our communities."
