Thugs kick dog to death

Cairn terrier Megan was subjected to a hate-filled attack near the entrance to Pilrig Park on Balfour Street.

And the thugs turned their attention to Megan's owner when he tried to intervene. He said today that there was no motivation for the attack.

The terrier, Megan, was so badly injured she had to be put down the same day. She suffered brain damage and serious internal injuries. Owner, Richard, a cleaner from Leith, who asked for his last name not to be used, said he was devastated to lose his pet. He had adopted Megan from a rescue centre three years ago.

Richard, who is in his mid-40s, said he had decided to take the dog for a quick walk in the local park when the yobs struck.

He said: "I was just at the top of the park. There were three guys coming up the pavement. She went up to them – I think she was expecting food. But they began kicking her. I was shocked. It all happened so quickly.

"She was absolutely terrified. I went in to help her but they laid into me as well. I just wanted to get away."

Megan was treated by PDSA vets at the Pet Aid Hospital in Hutchison Crossway following the attack, which happened at around 1am on Tuesday, February 26. But the terrier was so badly injured they decided they would have to put her to sleep.

Richard said: "The vets were very good. They thought at first it was shock, but there was a lot of internal bleeding. Then they found she had brain damage as well."

Richard suffered minor cuts as he tried to protect his pet. He said: "I was in shock for two weeks. I had to take time off work. Megan was 19. That's a fair age for a dog, but she could have had another few years."

She was always with me, 24-seven. She even went to the shops and work with me. It's like losing a member of the family.

"Pilrig Park tends to be a youngsters' drinking den. There are a lot of youngsters around. But I didn't think there would be a problem."

Richard reported the attack to the police, who urged anyone with information to contact them.

Gillian Dunn, a friend and fellow dog owner from Easter Road, said: "We all think it's disgusting. A little defenceless dog would have had no chance against the three of them. If someone could do this sort of thing to a dog, then they could do anything." She called for CCTV cameras to be installed at the entrance to the park. Doreen Graham, a Scottish SPCA spokeswoman, said: "What a sad day when you can't walk your dog in the park without this."