A dog owner has told of the “terrifying” moment his two pets were attacked while out on a walk in Kinross.
One dog died, and another two were injured in the incident involving three other dogs on High Street and Burns Begg Street around 2.30pm on Sunday.
A woman was also injured after falling while trying to protect her pet.
David McIllroy was walking pointer Hugo, seven, and his mum Molly, ten, with his wife when three dogs ran out of a side street and lunged at them.
Molly suffered serious injuries, including ten lacerations to her head and body.
It’s understood that Molly and Hugo were attacked after the first dog was mauled.
Speaking on Monday, David said: “We were just walking down the street and it was just shocking what happened.
“We were opposite Kinross Salutation Hotel and these three dogs came running out of one of the side streets and just went straight for the necks of our dogs.
“My wife was yelling and crying. People came out from the Salutation Hotel, and they were absolutely brilliant.
“The locals were fantastic. We can’t thank them enough.
“A guy was driving past from Drum, and he went round the roundabout, came out and kicked the dog off.”
It is understood the dogs had escaped from a property before they targeted a smaller dog and its female owner.
David continued: “It was worst for the other lady whose dog was killed.
“She was trying to protect her dog.”
The attack has sent shockwaves through the small community.
A gofundme page has been set up to cover the costs of the vet bills and provide a dignified cremation for the deceased dog.
By Monday afternoon, the fundraiser – set up by the administrators of the Kinross Community Facebook page – had gathered £1,810.
Organiser Melissa Macfarlane said: “We are raising money to help the dogs who were horrendously attacked in Kinross .
“Sadly, one small dog was killed by three loose out-of-control dogs, and in a second incident, another two dogs were badly injured by the same dogs who had escaped from their home.
“The elderly owner of the little dog that was killed was also hurt whilst trying to protect her dog, and our hearts are absolutely breaking for her.
“We are hoping to raise funds to help with vet’s bills for the two injured dogs and very sadly a dignified cremation for the deceased dog.
“Every penny we can raise will go to the dog owners at this incredibly sad time.”
Commenting on the incident, Cllr Willie Robertson said: “I was shocked to hear of what happened yesterday in Kinross and feel very sorry for the person whose dog was killed and the owners of the dogs injured in the attack.
“It must have been a very traumatic and distressing experience for them and for those who witnessed the incident.
“I personally don’t understand why people would want to keep potentially dangerous dogs.
“They certainly should not be allowed to keep one without being able to prove that they are able to look after them and ensure that they don’t pose a danger to people and other dogs.”
Fellow Kinross-shire councillor Richard Watters added: “My thoughts are with the owners of the dogs that were injured and especially the owner of the poor dog that the dogs killed. I would encourage any witnesses to contact the police with any information related to the incident.”
A statement issued by Police Scotland said: “At around 2.30pm on Sunday, October 20, 2024, we were called to a report of three dogs having been attacked by other dogs on High Street and Burns Begg Street, Kinross.
“One dog died, and two others were injured and taken to the vet for treatment.
“A woman also suffered injuries when she fell and was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting reference 1865 of October 20, 2024.”
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