Edinburgh man jailed for brutal dog killing in revenge attack

EDINBURGH MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL DOG KILLING IN REVENGE ATTACK

Mackay and Devlin launched the savage attack on the female German Shepherd named Goldie after they chased the animal’s owner Kyle Pugh into a local shop on 31 May 2024.

Mackay kicked the dog to the body before killing her by smashing her over the head with the metal pole resulting in a broken neck.

Mackay and Devlin then fled before police officers race to the scene and sealed off the area surrounding the supermarket.

Devlin was traced and arrested soon after, while Mackay handed himself in to a local police station four days later.

The pair pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by approaching Kyle Pugh while in possession of a hammer and a knife at Calder Park in Edinburgh when they appeared in court in March 2026.

Mackay admitted causing an animal unnecessary suffering by kicking the dog on the body, striking her on the head with a metal pole causing her death during the incident on May 31, 2024.

The court heard witnesses who saw the attack, including shopkeepers activating the panic alarm, and Mackay returning to the scene with a metal pole to strike the dog.

Mackay was sentenced to 27 months in custody and is lifetime banned from keeping or owning animals.

Devlin failed to appear for his sentencing, and a warrant was issued.

Mackay was also described as having ‘not intended to cause the dog’s death’ by his solicitor, while the sheriff stated no option but custody due to the gravity of the offence.