Police probe footage of dog being forced to run beside car in Fife

Video sparked outrage among animal lovers as the picture is called ‘sickening’ and ‘dangerous’

Police say they have launched an investigation after footage emerged on social media showing a dog being forced to run just inches alongside a moving vehicle.

Officers are now probing the incident which happened on a road near Lochgelly last week.

Another motorist travelling behind managed to capture some video on her mobile phone.

The images show a lurcher-type dog or greyhound attached to a lead and running beside a grey car on the rural route known locally as the stock car road.

At one point the dog is seen scrambling away from the vehicle after almost being dragged underneath the wheels as it tried to keep up.

The video has sparked outrage among local animal lovers, including Cowdenbeath dog walking company Geopaw Cowdenbeath which shared a still image from the footage.

“I almost cannot believe what I’m seeing,” a spokesperson said.

“This may look funny to some folk but going by comments from those who have seen the video the dog was absolutely terrified.

“It’s also extremely dangerous and just the height of stupidity.

“It’s unbelievable that any human can treat animals like this in this day and age. It’s just sickening.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA said the matter had not been reported to it, but Police Scotland would act as the lead agency for any investigation.

Police said an investigation was under way.

“An officer attended but the vehicle was not traced,” a spokesperson added.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

Some dog owners suggested police should be treating the incident with greater urgency since the vehicle’s number plate was clearly visible.

Dog owner Jennifer Sterritt said: “I’ve seen time and time again, people complaining about all types of animal abuse, but they are letting the animals down big time.”

The incident comes amid concerns about the treatment of greyhounds or other dogs used for racing across parts of Europe.

An exported Irish greyhound was recently rescued in Spain after a disturbing video showed the dog collapsed and exhausted being made to run next to a van for 18 miles.

Anyone who can help provide any information about the vehicle or the dog featured in the footage should contact Police Scotland on 101.

A still from the footage of the dog alongside the car in Lochgelly.