Charity Appeals After Malnourished Dog With Severe Tumours Put Down

1 November 2017, 11:01 | Updated: 1 November 2017, 11:03

Animal inspectors were forced to put down a dog with severe tumours that was dumped in an "outrageous" condition on a canal path.

The neglected Staffordshire Bull Terrier was malnourished, covered in fleas and had infected eyes and ears when it was found by a member of the public in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire.

It was taken to a vet for help who then contacted the Scottish SPCA.

One of the female dog's mammary tumours weighed 1kg and it was decided to put her down due to the level of suffering.

The animal charity said it is "outrageous" the dog was allowed to get into such a condition and is appealing for any information on the terrier's owners.

Scottish SPCA inspector Gillian Dick said: "We received a call from the veterinary practice seeking advice as the poor staffie was in a great deal of pain.

"She was severely malnourished, with overgrown nails that were curled right over into the pads of her paws.

"She had severe mammary tumours, with one weighing a kilo. She had infected eyes and ears, and was covered in fleas.

"Due to her condition and the level of suffering, the vet felt the kindest option was to put her to sleep.

"It's outrageous that she was allowed to get into this condition and it certainly has not happened overnight, so someone must have some information about where she's come from."

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

The Scottish SPCA urged anyone who has information on the dog to contact its helpline on 03000 999 999.