Scottish SPCA

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Dog left to die in flat

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after an elderly dog was left to die in a flat in Maryhill, Glasgow. WARNING YOU MAY FIND THE IMAGE IN THIS REPORT DISTRESSING

We were alerted after a housing officer reported that the tenant of the property on Maryhill Road had moved out, leaving a dog behind.

On entering the property, officers found an emaciated female Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed, aged around 10 years old, collapsed on the floor. She was rushed to our Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald for veterinary treatment. Sadly, the dog was too weak to survive the journey and she died on route.

Senior Inspector Billy Linton said, "This was a tragic incident where a poor dog was left to die a slow and painful death with no food or water.

"The flat was filled with rubbish and we only spotted the dog among the mess when she slowly lifted her head up off the ground as we called to her through the letter box.

"It's difficult to say how long she'd been lying there for, but she was so emaciated and dehydrated that her eyes had sunk into her head and her ribs were clearly visible.

"She was so desperately hungry that she had been trying to eat from a bag of flour that was lying next to her on the floor.

"We are very keen to trace the dog's owner as this is not only an unbelievably cruel act but also a criminal offence.

"We believe neighbours, friends or relatives will know where this individual has gone and we are appealing to them to think of the suffering this poor dog has endured.

"Anyone with information can call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999. We treat all calls in strict confidence and information can be left anonymously."

Anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.