A dog owner has hit out at “senseless” and “evil-minded” vandals who desecrated his pet’s grave.
Kenneth Ferguson was horrified to find a hand-crafted slate headstone had been smashed and the faithful black lab’s lead had been stolen from its Findo Gask resting place.
The incident happened just weeks after Mr Ferguson scattered 16-year-old Bramble’s ashes at the site, which held special significance for the pair.
For a decade Bramble had been Mr Ferguson’s bird-watching companion and they often visited Findo Gask from their home in Tillicoultry.
Mr Ferguson said he was “shocked and angry” at the vandalism and is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of the culprits.
He said: “Since 2003, myself and Bramble have done a lot of wildlife watching, particularly around the Findo Gask area.
“Unfortunately he died on January 11 this year he was nearly 16.
“I got his ashes back from the vet and scattered them near a bush at Findo Gask.
“I hung up his lead and made a slate headstone with his picture on.
“It was OK for about four weeks but when I went past last Tuesday after I finished work his lead was gone and his headstone had been smashed. I noticed there was part of a slate tile on top of a fence post they’ve obviously just hit it off that.
“I was really upset it’s a terrible thing for somebody to do.
“It’s such a senseless thing. I couldn’t believe it I was so angry.”
Mr Ferguson checked with the local gamekeeper and also with members of the church but no one had any knowledge of the damage.
He added: “I have a new headstone made up for him but I’m a bit scared to put it up.
“I would like to meet the person responsible face to face to find out why they did it.”
Mr Ferguson, who goes to the spot regularly to visit the grave and to top up bird feeders, estimates the damage was done between February 17 and 24.