Police have had an “incredible response” and are following a “positive line of inquiry” as they continue hunting thugs who burned a dog to death in a barbaric attack.
However, officers have emphasised that they do still need the public’s help to identify the dog and the owner.
As reported by The Courier, a dog believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier, or a Staffordshire cross, was tied to a tree, doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire in Dunnikier Woods, Kirkcaldy.
It would have suffered a painful and violent death, said animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA.
The gruesome scene was discovered on Friday afternoon.
Fife wildlife crime liaison officer PC Ian Laing has said it’s clear that the dog died in horrendous circumstances and will have endured considerable pain immediately prior to its death.
The Scottish SPCA have described the case as “an extremely sickening case of animal cruelty”.
A number of Courier readers got in touch to express anger at such cruelty.
One woman, who asked not to be named said: “I for one do not believe in ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’. However, in this case I do.
“You do not need to be an animal lover but I am sure there are plenty people who will be disgusted and angry to have read this.”
Anyone with information, or who thinks they may know the owner or the person who killed the dog, is asked to phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Photo by David Wardle