Pet dog abandoned in Scottish park with belongings

Rio the Jack Russell was left tied up in Drumpellier country park in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, with a carrier containing his lead, food bowl, brush, toy and shampoo.

The charity said it was caring for the three-year-old in the “heartbreaking” case that echoed that of Kai, a shar-pei cross-breed found tied to a railing at Ayr railway station in January.

Rio was discovered on Saturday and is being cared for at the charity’s rescue and re-homing centre in Hamilton.

Lorraine Alba, from the centre, said: “This is a heartbreaking case as it seems whoever did this wanted Rio to have all his  possessions.

“It may be that his owner’s circumstances changed and they were no longer able to look after him, but we must stress that abandoning an animal is an  offence.

“We are very glad Rio was found by someone kind who helped him and we’ll care for him until we can find him a loving new home.”

Kai’s story was reported across the world after he was discovered at Ayr station with a suitcase of his belongings.

Nicknamed “Paddington Ayr”, Kai was offered help from New York, Los Angeles, France, Spain and even the Philippines as the Scottish SPCA received hundreds messages of support.

He was eventually placed with 52-year-old engineer Ian Russell, from Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, who had lost his dalmatian Mica just before Christmas.

Mr Russell said at the time: “It feels like fate that I’ve been able to rehome Kai and I’m not usually a believer in things like that. I’m over the moon and very shocked that I was chosen out of everyone who wanted him.

“When I heard about Kai I knew the little guy needed a break but I never thought in a million years I’d get him.

“Being the one to rehome Kai is a bit like winning the lottery and I’m really looking forward to getting him home and bonding with him.

“I also want to highlight the fact there are lots of other animals like Kai whose stories haven’t been told.”

The animal charity, which was marking Scottish Animal Week in recent days, said it had taken in more than 2,000 unwanted cats and kittens this year and was currently caring for 360 cats at its rescue centres.

It also appealed for information earlier in the week after two Staffordshire bull terriers were found in stairwells in Edinburgh.

One was found tied to railings at Clovenstone Park on 29 August and the second roaming free in a stair at Calder Crescent 1.5 miles away.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “As an animal welfare charity, we receive no government or lottery funding. We depend on public donations to continue our vital work.”