A starving dog abandoned in freezing temperatures had been "dumped like rubbish", an animal charity has said.The female German shepherd was found in Gilburn Place, Bo'ness. It is now being cared for by council-run kennels. The Scottish SPCA said the dog, about 10 years old, was extremely thin, underweight and in a "terrible state". The
charity's Leanne McPake said: "It's heartbreaking, particularly when we
find out people are making way for the new Christmas puppy or a new
sofa."
The dog was found abandoned in Bo'ness'Unnecessary suffering'The German shepherd had a growth on her belly which appeared to be a mammary tumour, Ms McPake said. The
dog's tail had also been docked and all the hair around her neck rubbed
away, indicating she had either been tethered or wore a close-fitting
collar. The inspector added: "Despite her condition she is a
very sweet natured and gentle dog, which makes it even harder to
understand why anyone would allow her to get into this state. She
should have had vet treatment long before now. "Whoever owns her has ignored her condition, which has resulted in her suffering unnecessarily." The
Scottish SPCA said people who caused an animal unnecessary suffering
could face a year in prison or a £20,00 fine, or both. The charity has appealed to anyone with information about the dog to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline.