The devastated owners of a dog that was cruelly burnt to death in Kirkcaldy have honoured their pet’s memory with a special 10-mile sponsored walk around some of his favourite haunts.
Christopher McMahon and Chermaine Letham joined a group of friends for a special walk around Kirkcaldy with all monies raised going to the Scottish SPCA.
Travelling to Kirkcaldy from their new home in Portsoy, the couple took in a route that encompassed Kirkcaldy promenade, the Gallatown and Chapel Level, and also passed by Dunnikier Woods where the dog met his tragic end.
Chermaine told The Courier: “It’s still really hurtful what happened. We’ve received messages of support from all over the world. We’ve raised roughly £400 for the SSPCA so far and hope to raise more.”
Alastair Graham was jailed for 45 months last month and banned from owning an animal for life following the cruel incident.
Graham snapped after the Staffordshire bull terrier, called Bruno, bit his finger. He tied the animal to a tree in Dunnikier Woods where he initially attempted to slit its throat and stab it to death.
When he failed, Graham went to a nearby petrol station and filled up a jerry can before pouring it over the dog. The 23-year-old then set the dog alight.
Under the terms of the Animal Health and Welfare Act Graham could only be jailed for a maximum of a year for killing Bruno.
Sheriff James Williamson, who had labelled the attack a “grotesque act of savagery”, sentenced him to nine months for the killing of the dog because of an early guilty plea.
However, Graham received a further three years in jail after also admitting an attempted knife robbery carried out days after he killed Bruno.
Depute fiscal Susan Dickson told Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court that a post-mortem on Bruno revealed he had still been alive when set alight.
Graham, a prisoner at Perth, pleaded guilty to causing Bruno unnecessary suffering by causing his death in the fire on April 24 or 25.
He further admitted an attempted knife robbery committed alongside Steven Gourdie on May 2 in Leven’s High Street.
Bruno’s owners said at the time that he should be “left to rot” for what he did to their beloved pet.
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 … and hated being on his own. He is deeply missed by all of us.”