A tiny pet dog died after being viciously attacked by another animal in Perth.
Skye, a 10-year-old cairn terrier cross, was brutalised during a regular walk on Craigie Hill Golf Course on Wednesday. It suffered fatal throat injuries as its owner went to help another dog walker search for her missing pet.
Police have begun an investigation and appealed for witnesses.
Skye’s owner, Ann Goodall, of Glengarry Road, said: “It was horrible. It was our family pet. My son was walking the dog and came back and wouldn’t let me see the body.
“We got it as a rescue dog about nine years ago. It never had a bad moment it would have kissed you to death. It was up the hill twice a day and nothing like this has ever happened. It was definitely another dog that did it.”
Ann’s son, Robert, had been walking the much-loved terrier between 5.30 and 6am when he stopped to help another dog walker look for one of her greyhounds near the ninth and 10th holes of the golf course.
After they found the missing animal, the woman left with her pets and Mr Goodall went to look for his terrier. He found it fatally injured on the 14th hole.
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: “Police officers are keen to trace anyone who was in the area at around the time of the incident as they may have information useful to inquiries.
“They are particularly keen to trace the greyhounds’ owner. She is described as being 5ft 6in tall, with long dark brown hair and at the time she was wearing large puffa-style jacket with a fur-style lined hood. She had an Eastern European accent.
“The woman had a black-coloured female greyhound on a lead, and a male brown-coloured greyhound. Both dogs wore black coats. Anyone who can assist with inquiries should call 0300 111 2222 or speak to any officer.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs are kept under control in public at all times.
“Every year we deal with a wide range of animals which have either been injured or killed by dogs which have been allowed to run loose.
“Not only is it dangerous to allow your dog to be out of control and causing damage in a public place, it is also a criminal offence. Anyone with information should contact Tayside Police as soon as possible.”