Neglected dog found tied to tree
Published 13 Aug 2012 09:30
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after an emaciated dog
was found tied to a tree in Stevenston, North Ayrshire.
Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted when a member of the
public discovered the distressed male Staffordshire bull terrier cross
at a cycle path which links Moorpark Road West and New Street on
Thursday afternoon (9 August).
The elderly dog was visibly underweight and in very poor condition. He
was immediately taken to a vet by an inspector from the charity where,
sadly, the vet had to make the difficult decision to put him to sleep
and end any further suffering.
Inspector Stewart Taylor said, "This poor dog was around 10kgs
underweight. As well as his ribs and spine being clearly visible, his
head was also very sunken due to a loss of muscle.
"The vet said this muscle is usually the last to waste away, indicating
he had not been fed properly for a prolonged period of time, and had no
doubt he had been caused a great deal of suffering through neglect.
"Sadly, his condition was so advanced that the veterinary advice was the
kindest and only humane option was to end his suffering.
"Unfortunately, he had no collar or microchip so we are appealing to the
public to help us with our enquiries."
Abandoning and causing an animal unnecessary suffering are criminal
offences and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned
from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information about this abandonment is being urged to contact
the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
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