Reward offer in dog killers hunt

A businessman was so upset by the shocking story in yesterday's Evening News that he has offered to put up 500 to catch those responsible.

Cairn terrier Megan was attacked by three drunken yobs in Pilrig Park. The attackers then turned on her owner when he tried to intervene.

Megan suffered brain damage and serious internal injuries, and had to be put down by vets.

Today a businessman, from Gorebridge, who has asked not to be named, has offered a reward.

He said: "It's completely outrageous. I was furious when I read what had happened to that little dog. I've got two dogs myself and I wanted to do anything I could to help. It's difficult to understand why anyone would want to do something like this.

"I hope that this might persuade anyone who's seen anything to get in touch. Someone may have seen these people before or after the attack, and could come forward and help the police."

Another reader, Gavin Glen, a manager from Longstone, has also offered to contribute to the reward fund. He said: "When I read about it I was just shocked. I just hope this helps catch whoever was responsible."

The dog's owner, Richard, who declined to give his surname, said he was pleased at the kind response by readers. He had been devastated by the loss of 19-year-old Megan.

He said: "This is very generous offer. It's very kind of people to want to help. It's been quite difficult since the attack, but I've got a lot of good friends and family who have helped."

Richard, a cleaner from Leith, said there had been no motivation for the attack, which happened as he took Megan for a short walk in the park near his home. He had also suffered cuts when he tried to stop the attackers.

He took the dog to vets at the PDSA, but she was so badly injured she had to be put down.

Doreen Graham, a Scottish SPCA spokeswoman, said the charity was concerned about the number of attacks on pets. She said: "The public need to be concerned at this level of behaviour. Alcohol plays a huge part in animal cruelty. The worry is they could go beyond dogs. There's a huge amount of research showing that this type of behaviour is likely to escalate, and could end up in violence to humans."

Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen the attackers. The incident happened at the Balfour Street entrance to the park, at 1am on Tuesday, February 26.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 0131-311 3131, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.