A HADDINGTON family was left “devastated” this week after one of their pet dogs was killed by a car outside their home.

Lewis McDonald was walking his seven-year-old black Labrador Peppa and spaniel Vee on Tuesday morning when they were both struck by a car on Queens Avenue.

Peppa was killed in the incident, while Vee was in a critical condition at Links Vets in Haddington.

Jade Robertson, Lewis’ partner, said she was “devastated beyond words” and her three children – Brandon, 10, eight-year-old Aiden and seven-year-old Kerr – were “traumatised” at the loss of the family pet.

She added: “To lose part of your family is horrific enough, but in these circumstances [it is] even worse.

“Peppa was our pet for seven years and Lewis’ pride and joy.

“Lewis saw the car at the other end of the street and thought he had time to cross.

“He misjudged the speed of the car and had to jump back, but the dogs didn’t stand a chance “He couldn’t get the dogs out of the way and Peppa was killed almost instantly.

“Both dogs were working dogs and extremely well-trained and behaved.

“They were at heel and only took one step forward misjudging the car – they didn’t stand a chance.”

The driver of the car who hit the dogs failed to stop at the scene, and the couple have reported the incident to police.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in East Lothian were made aware of a road collision where a Labrador and spaniel were struck by a car on Queens Avenue, Haddington, on Tuesday, February 14.

“As a result, the Labrador succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the spaniel continues to be treated at a local vet. Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing.”

Stephanie Scott, a friend of the couple, added: “Lewis has said the car must have been travelling at 40-50mph.

“[Speeding] is an ongoing issue. There are kids out playing there a lot of the time.

“It is lucky in a way that it wasn’t one of the kids.”