Dog Tied to Tree and Burned to Death in Scotland

Police are appealing for information after a dog was found tied to a tree and burnt to death in Fife.

The animal died after being covered in a flammable liquid and set alight in a wooded area north of Kirkcaldy on 25 April.

It is believed the dog was a Staffordshire or Staffordshire cross, but it is not clear at this stage what colour coat it had because of the severity of its burns.

Animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA said the dog was killed in "one of the most barbaric ways possible".

PC Ian Laing, of Police Scotland, said: "It is clear that this dog died in horrendous circumstances and will have endured considerable pain immediately prior to its death.

"It is essential that the public assist us in identifying who is responsible for this."

"Anyone who is familiar with someone who had a dog such as this but has not seen it for a few days or who saw someone in the north Kirkcaldy area with a dog and a green petrol container is asked to contact us on 101.

"I have little doubt that most people will be horrified at what has taken place and anticipate a strong response from the public."

Laing urged anyone who may have any information to contact the police immediately.

Scottish SPCA chief supt Mike Flynn said: "This is an extremely sickening case of animal cruelty and we are keen to find those responsible for this dog's painful and violent death.

"It is unimaginable that anyone could be involved in such a cruel premeditated attack on an animal."