Family’s nightmare as pet dog shot and buried in shallow grave by gamekeeper

An Angus family has been subjected to a living nightmare following the shooting of their pet dog by a local gamekeeper. 

The family’s 15 year old Collie dog was shot at point blank range before having its collar removed and being stuffed head first down a rabbit hole and then covered over with earth. The grim discovery of Popeye’s body was made by his owner Margaret Ford’s daughter and granddaughter who refused to stop looking until the dog was found. The incident happened in August this year in Airlie, Kirriemuir when Popeye disappeared from the family home. He was found a week later buried in a shallow grave. 

A local gamekeeper admitted to the police he had shot the dog – claiming it was worrying cattle – but he failed to report the shooting to the police. Legislation under the Animals Act states that anyone who shoots a dog must report it within 48 hours. Despite this no charges were brought and the family have been left devastated by the loss of their dog and the lack of police action on the case. 

Popeye’s owner, Margaret Ford said: “Nothing can describe the shock of finding Popeye like this. He was such a loving, friendly dog and to think his life was cut short so cruelly makes me feel sick to my stomach.”

North east MSP Jenny Marra is helping the family pursue a complaint over the way the police handled the case. She said: “The death of a family pet is hard at the best of times, but these circumstances make it all the more difficult. I am working to ensure that the proper procedures will be followed in this case. Margaret Ford and her family deserve answers as to what happened to their pet dog and why no action has been taken against those responsible.  It is important to send a message that pets cannot be killed in this cruel way without repercussions. ”

League spokesperson Louise Robertson added: “This is such a harrowing case and anyone who has a pet will know how devastating it is to lose an animal but for it to be under these circumstances is disgusting. It is staggering that an individual can end an animal’s life in this way, dispose of it in such a callous manner and then walk a way without even so much as a slap on the wrist.”

Please contact the League’s Press Office on 01483 524250 (24hrs) with any queries, or email press@league.org.uk.

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