SSPCA appeal after dog abandoned near Bathgate

Jan 21 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

The collie was abandoned by the roadside

ANIMAL welfare officers are appealing for information after an elderly dog was abandoned by a roadside in a West Lothian village.

The Scottish SPCA say the dog was found in a terrible condition by a member of the public in Strathlogie, Westfield, on January 8.

The distressed tan-and-white female collie was collected by the Scottish SPCA and rushed to a local vet, where she was given emergency treatment, but her condition deteriorated over the weekend and there was no option but to put her to sleep.

Scottish SPCA inspector Jenni Surgeon said the dog was badly neglected and the charity are keen to trace her owner.

She said: “The ambulance driver who picked her up said that she was lying motionless and could barely lift her head off the ground.

“Her coat was in a terrible state, particularly around her back end, which was heavily-matted with faeces.

“As well as her poor body condition, she was suffering from severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.

“When we arrived at the vets she was put on a drip and given painkillers to try to ease her discomfort, but by Sunday she had become so ill that it would have been unfair to allow her to continue suffering.”

Ms Surgeon added: “Unfortunately, she is not identity micro-chipped and she wasn’t wearing a collar, but we are hoping someone will recognise her and call us

“She should have received treatment long before now, so this is something we’d like to discuss with her owner. We also need to know how she came to be found alone in the street on very cold winter’s day.”

Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA Helpline on 03000 999 999.