The devastated owner of a dog cruelly burnt to death in Kirkcaldy has spoken out as rewards totalling around £2,000 were offered to catch the culprit.
Christopher McMahon said his family have been left “in bits” by the news his dog, Bruno, had been subjected to a barbaric attack in Dunnikier Woods last week.
“When I first heard about the dog via the local news, I contacted the police,” he said.
“The information I gave them seemed to match, right down to the lead and harness that was found at the scene.
“When the police got back in touch to confirm that the dog was in fact Bruno, I was just in bits. The whole family are. He was a family pet and great with kids.
“What has happened is horrendous and I just can’t imagine anyone doing this to any animal.”
The Staffordshire cross was tied to a tree, doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire.
Fife wildlife crime liaison officer PC Ian Laing said the attack probably happened between Thursday evening and Friday morning last week.
He appealed for anyone who saw someone with a dog, or a green petrol container, in the area around that time to get in touch.
He said: “Also, if anyone saw someone going to a petrol station and filling up a green plastic petrol container, I would urge them to contact police on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
Mr Laing confirmed that initial findings of a post-mortem on the dog suggested it had been alive when set on fire.
It happened not far from where a cat was shot and killed in Kirkcaldy.
Casper, who was a treasured pet, was found on Tuesday. The two incidents are not thought to be related.
Mr Laing added: “It’s not done Kirkcaldy’s reputation any favours this week. We need to get hold of the people responsible.”
So far, around £2,000 in reward money has been offered for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible for the attack on the dog.