A DEFENCELESS puppy died of internal bleeding after being kicked in Dunfermline.

Five-month-old Poppy was attacked in the Linburn Road area when her owner’s back was turned.

The attacker is believed to be a man who was wearing a black jacket and walking a black labrador at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, February 7.

One of the owners had his back turned when he heard the dog scream in pain.

Lee Christie, a close friend of the owner's family, told the Dunfermline Press: "At first, it was thought maybe the other owner had stepped on her by accident when passing or was maybe nipped by the other dog.

"At the time he was too concerned with Poppy that he didn't see much of the guy as Poppy had messed herself in fright so was taken home for a bath as there was no initial sign of injury. During the bath, they noticed she was struggling to breathe a bit so they took her along to the vets.

"It was revealed that she had internal bleeding and the vets said it was most likely from a full-force kick or being hit by a blunt object.

"Throughout the night, her condition worsened. They had five vets fighting to save her life. They said the only option left was for Poppy to be rushed to Edinburgh for emergency surgery but before this could happen she sadly passed away."

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Dog breeder Yvonne Hannah was left devastated after hearing one of her cocker spaniel puppies was kicked to death, and shared images of Poppy on Facebook.

She said: "We bred the dog, so she was one of our litter.

"The puppy was wondering about on her extending lead as she normally did, as she would pick up a leaf or stick to take home with her.

"The next moment the dog screamed out in pain."

The incident has now been reported to Police Scotland.