The heartbroken owners of a dog burned to death have blasted the sentence facing the man who killed their beloved pet.
Christopher McMahon and Chermaine Letham insist Alastair Graham should be “left to rot” after he tied their pet, Bruno, to a tree, doused it in petrol and set the animal on fire.
Graham was told that he faces a maximum of a year in jail after admitting killing the Staffordshire cross at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Monday, a sentence the couple labelled a joke.
Chermaine said: “Alastair Graham is an evil man. An eye for an eye. Receiving a year maximum is disgusting considering in America a man did the same thing and got five years.
“If he can do that to a helpless dog then what can he do to a child or elderly person?
“His maximum sentence is a joke. He tortured and murdered a family pet simply because he bit his finger. That’s disgusting. He should be left to rot.”
On Monday Sheriff James Williamson heard that Graham was looking after Bruno for a friend when he snapped after the animal bit his finger.
He tied the animal to a tree in Dunnikier Woods, Kirkcaldy, and initially attempted to slit its throat and stab it to death. But when he failed Graham went to a nearby petrol station and filled up a jerry can before pouring it over the terrified dog.
Chermaine added: “When I found out about Bruno and the terrible way he had passed my heart was broken. I no longer live in Fife as I don’t want to be in a place full of so much evil.
“Bruno was a very loving and caring dog who enjoyed long cuddles. He was so gentle around children and was also good around other dogs.
“Bruno was a lively dog who enjoyed long walks. He loved company and hated being on his own. He is deeply missed by all of us.”
A sheriff told Graham the attack was a “grotesque act of savagery”.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act that he was prosecuted under means Graham can only be jailed for a maximum of a year.
However, he will face “years” in jail after he also admitted an attempted knife robbery carried out days after he killed Bruno.
Bruno’s family are set to host a 10-mile sponsored walk around some of his favourite haunts with a small group of friends in order to honour their dog’s memory.
All the money raised will be given to the Scottish SPCA. The walk will be completed on August 24.
To donate please visit the fundraising page.