A Lochgelly mum has spoken out after her beloved family pet died after a vicious attack by a stray dog.
Kaitlyn Bell, 27, said her basset hound, Bonnie, was fatally injured near Cardenden last Friday (July 3).
The five-year-old canine was being walked in woodlands near the Remus Equestrian Centre by her dog walker when an unknown dog appeared and attacked.
Despite Bonnie being rushed to the vets afterwards, and then to a veterinary hospital in Glasgow, the injuries were so severe that the decision was made to euthanise the beloved pet - which has also left the family with a £6,000 bill.
Kaitlyn said the attack was the “last thing we expected” and is now concerned that the offending animal could strike again and hurt another dog - or a person.
Speaking to the Times, she said: “I got a phone call from the dog walker to say she had been attacked by another dog, and it was really bad; she [Bonnie] was bleeding out of her nose and her mouth.
“She was unconscious and they were taking her to the vets, and I just had to rush to meet them there.
“She [the dog walker] had just got the dogs out of the van, on their lead to walk through the gate into the woodland, and not even had a chance to get the dogs off-lead or anything, yet this massive dog came charging towards them.
“In the midst of all this, it must have been when the dog charged towards them that it collided with Bonnie and threw her up in the air."
After the attack, the bleeding and unconscious dog was taken to Cameron and Greig in Cowdenbeath, where they tried their best to stabilise her and clear Bonnie’s airways.
She was then taken to Milnathort where imaging was done, and it was discovered that the dog had at least one skull fracture and swelling on the brain.
Kaitlyn added: “She was having seizures as well, just because of the extra pressure and damage to her brain. She just remained unconscious throughout this time.”
After this, Bonnie was referred to Glasgow and CT scans showed “horrific” brain injuries and multiple fractures in the front of her skull.
Kaitlyn was given the devastating news that the vets did not think there was any chance of recovery.
As a nurse, she added: “I kind of knew at this point, being in my line of work, what the outcome’s going to be, but it’s just hard when you’re told that you need to make that decision about your dog.”
The decision was made to put Bonnie to sleep, she was just five years old.
“She didn’t bark, never mind be reactive or aggressive. She was just so placid,” Kaitlyn said.
The dog responsible has yet to be traced, or its owner, but it is thought to have been a black cane corso or mastiff-type breed.
As well as losing her dog, Kaitlyn now has a £6,000 vet bill to sort out.
“I’m just really angry, it shouldn’t have happened, I shouldn’t have to be in this scenario," she said.
“I got the dog walker because I didn’t want Bonnie being stuck in the house all day, and now I’m left feeling guilty because I wasn’t at work, but I was looking after my wee boy because he wasn’t well.
“My wee boy is 14 months old, so I feel like the last year and a bit of her life she’s obviously been on the back foot a bit, whereas before she was always the centre of attention.
“Now, I’m eating myself alive with guilt."
Police Scotland said: “We were made aware of a stray dog on land near Cardenden around 1.55pm on Friday, July 3.
“The matter has been referred to the local dog warden service.”
Graeme Anderson, technical officer at Fife Council, said: "Our thoughts are with the owners of the dog that died, and we recognise how distressing this incident will also have been for the person who witnessed the attack.
"We're still carrying out enquiries and would ask anyone with information to contact us on 03451 55 00 22 or email SaferCommunities.Team@fife.gov.uk.
“Where appropriate, action will be taken under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act.
"We would remind all dog owners of their responsibility to keep their dogs under control in public places and use a lead where necessary."
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