Emaciated and wounded dog prompts SSPCA probe

The Scottish SPCA have launched an investigation after a dog was found emaciated and wounded in a street. Picture: Rob McDougall

• Dog found injured and emaciated in Stonehaven prompts SSPCA investigation

• Two-year-old lurcher discovered starving and dehydrated

Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity was contacted after the two year-old lurcher was discovered by a member of the public, lying on the ground at Carron Gardens in Stonehaven on Sunday afternoon.

An SSPCA spokeswoman said: “The dog was dehydrated, starving, covered in painful wounds and suffering from a skin infection. An animal rescue officer collected the dog and took him to a local vet for treatment before transporting him to the Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Drumoak, where he has been given the name Conan.”

Debbie Innes, the assistant manager at the rescue centre, said: “We don’t know whether Conan has escaped from home or been abandoned by his previous owner, but it’s clear he has been severely neglected.”

She explained: “A dog of Conan’s size and type should weigh around 28kgs but he’s only just 20kgs. He was very hungry and thirsty when he first arrived but we’ve been giving him small, regular meals and he’s eating well.

“His skin is red and inflamed and his wounds are painful to touch indicating he is likely to have been kept in dirty living conditions and on hard ground.”

Ms Innes added: “Conan is responding well to treatment and painkillers are keeping him comfortable. We can’t understand why anyone would treat an animal in this way, it’s heartbreaking.

“Despite everything he’s been through Conan is a sweet-natured and gentle dog who has lots of love inside him and, once he’s recovered from this awful ordeal, we’ll be looking to find him a loving new home.”

The SSPCA spokeswoman said: “Causing an animal unnecessary suffering 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. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”