Duchess offers reward to find puppy killers

THE Dowager Duchess of Hamilton has offered a reward to find the killers of an eight-week-old pup.

Mia was killed during a botched robbery. Picture: comp

Cocker Spaniel pup Mia was pulled from her cage and brutally killed during a botched robbery attempt at her owner’s home in Aberlady, East Lothian, on Boxing Day.

The callous thieves were disturbed by family members who had been sleeping upstairs, but came down to find the body of their new pet in the kitchen.

Police Scotland immediately launched hunt for the two men, and now dog lover Kay Hamilton has offered a £400 reward to anyone who can provide information to help find those responsible.

Kay, who is acting treasurer for the Scottish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue charity, said: “I want those people caught – what they did was disgusting.”

The first suspect is described as a white male about 25 years old, 5’9” or 5’10”, medium build, and spotty around the chin and mouth.

He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie with a light zip and pull cords on the hood, dark colour tracksuit bottoms and dark shoes or trainers.

The second suspect is said to be a man of similar build and height also wearing dark clothing.

The family, who wish to remain anonymous, said in a statement last week: “Mia was a cocker spaniel puppy of only eight weeks, born at a farm just outside Haddington. She was an amazing puppy, full of love and energy.

“She loved sleeping on my lap wrapped around her blanket as well as playing with her squeaky sheep toy which she could chase endlessly around the kitchen table. We all miss her very much and will treasure those few very special weeks that we spent with her.

“Thanks again so much for your kindness, this is a difficult time for us, especially since it comes after the passing of our fourteen year old Golden Retriever, Bowie, just a few months ago.”

A local dog walker has also set up a fundraising campaign in honour of the slain pup.

Dirty Paws Lothian has organised an online collection page to raise cash for a spaniel charity, while a pet cremation firm also offered its services to the family free of charge.