A STRAY and malnourished animal has been found wandering the streets of Mauchline this week.

The SSPCA is appealing for information after the underweight dog was reported on Saturday, August 22.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted when the female crossbreed was discovered at Fernlea Avenue in Mauchline and taken to a local vet.

The scrawny dog’s was severely emaciated with her bony frame clear to see. She is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Ayr, where staff have named her Betty.

Assistant manager Lynda Hourston said: “Betty is very thin, with a body score of just one out of nine, and she was limping when she was found.

“She had overgrown nails and the vet thinks this may be the result of her being kept indoors.” She added: “Betty has a large scarred area of skin on her right hind leg and a little on her left hind leg. The vet advised this may be an historic injury or burn that has healed without any vet treatment.

“Her eyesight is poor and she seems to be quite deaf too. She is a friendly wee soul but is a bit unsettled and paces a lot.

“We think it’s unlikely Betty had wandered far from home and we would appeal to anyone who recognises her to contact us as we are keen to establish how she came to be in this condition.” Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.