‘Severely emaciated’ dog being cared for as SSPCA seeks to trace owner

A “SEVERLEY emaciated” dog is being cared for by animal welfare officers after she was spotted stepping out in front of a car.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was found extremely underweight, with her bones visible through her skin, in the Deans area of Livingston, West Lothian.

A worried member of the public took her to a local vet after she walked in front of their car on Jubilee Avenue on Monday evening. The vet then contacted the Scottish SPCA, which has named her Penny.

She is now receiving care at the charity’s Edinburgh rescue and rehoming centre while officers try to trace her owner.

Inspector Jenni Surgeon said: “Poor Penny is severely emaciated, weighing just 9.6kgs when she should weigh around 14kgs. Her bones are clearly visible and can be easily felt through her skin.

“She’s an older girl, around eight years, and is really friendly, so we think she has been someone’s pet until recently. At this stage we don’t know how she came to be in this condition.

“We are very keen to trace Penny’s owner and would ask anyone who recognises her to contact us as soon as possible.”