Elderly dog found abandoned in garden on Hogmanay

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called to rescue the female border collie after she was discovered by residents at a property in The Avenue, Whitburn, on Saturday, December 31, at around 8.30am.

Inspector Jenni Surgeon collected the dog and took her to a local vet. She was thin, suffering from advanced arthritis and an underlying skin complaint causing bald patches around her eyes.

The dog is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno, where staff have named her Bess.

Inspector Surgeon said: “This poor girl is clearly aged, but her body condition and untreated skin complaint are indications that she has not received the care she deserves.

“We are not sure how Bess got into the garden as the gate was shut and suffering from arthritis it’s unlikely that she would have been able to crawl through any holes or jump over the fence. We can only assume she was put there.

“It’s not been a great start to 2012 for Bess, but she is safe now and getting well looked after at our rescue centre.

“We are very keen to trace her owner as abandoning an animal is an offence. We also hope that we will be able to find her a loving home where she can enjoy her retirement in comfort and peace.”

Anyone who recognises Bess should call the SSPCA Animal Helpline on 03000-999 999.