Family ‘distraught’ after pet dog fatally mauled

Bailey suffered several severe bites, one of which punctured his lung

A Glenrothes family have been left distraught after their beloved pet was so badly mauled by another dog he had to be put down just hours later.

Brian Dick was walking his son Alistair’s dog Bailey on his lead when he was savagely attacked by another owner’s larger animal, thought to be either a Newfoundland or St Bernard .

Mr Dick watched in horror as Bailey suffered severe bites to his body and head, one of which was so bad it punctured the five-year-old Jack Russell’s lung.

The other dog’s owner is described as a white male, around 50 years old and wearing glasses and a grey tracksuit.

The man is said to have referred to his pet as “Levi” as he tried to wrestle the dog away before fleeing the scene.

Other owners rushed to help following the attack at Glamis Path in Pitteuchar at around 1.30pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Police Scotland confirmed it had been alerted to the incident which has now been referred to Fife Council’s dog wardens.

Bailey’s owner Alistair Dick and his devastated family – who learned of the attack while returning from a holiday – have urged the owner to come forward, fearing the dog may strike again.

He said: “We have been left totally brokenhearted by this – my children, Marnie and Maddie, and my wife Denise are inconsolable.

“We’ve had Bailey since he was a puppy – he was more than just a pet, he was a member of the family.

“The owner of the dog now has to take responsibility as this can’t be allowed to happen again. That might have been my daughter walking Bailey.

“Next time it may be a child which is maimed or, even worse, killed.”

On returning home the family rushed Bailey to a veterinary practice, but because of his catastrophic injuries, the family took the agonising decision to end Bailey’s suffering and put their beloved pet to sleep.

“We are glad that we were able to be by his side in those final moments and say our goodbyes, but I don’t want any other family to have to go through that pain.

“The owner must come forward,” said Alistair.

Mark McCall, safer communities service manager, said: “Our dog control officers are investigating and are appealing for witnesses to get in touch by calling 01592 583642 or emailing safercommunities.team@fife.gov.uk with any information.

“Action will be taken in line with the Control of Dogs Scotland Act if appropriate.

“Meantime we would ask all dog owners to ensure they keep dogs under control and on a lead whilst walking in public spaces.”

We’ve had Bailey since he was a puppy – he was more than just a pet, he was a member of the family. ALISTAIR DICK

Picture: Kris Miller. Alistair Dick with his daughters Marnie and Maddie, who are devastated by the loss of their Jack Russell Bailey.