Scottish SPCA

Mystery of newborn pup found on street

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the discovery of a newborn puppy on a Clackmannanshire street.

A member of the public contacted our Animal Helpline after finding the black female puppy, still in her birth sack, lying on a pavement in The Orchard area of Tullibody, near Alloa, on Wednesday evening between 4 and 6pm.

It is not known how she came to be there so soon after birth but we believe there is a strong possibility that she may have been born outdoors and abandoned by her mother.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Leanne McPake rescued the tiny hours-old puppy and took her to the charity's Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno, where she is now being hand-reared. She has been named Tilly.

Inspector McPake said, "Tilly had just been born when she was found in the street. It was very lucky that the passer by discovered her when he did as she would not have survived out in the cold for much more than a few hours.

"We don't think it's likely the pup had been dumped by someone as she was still in her birth sack, which is extremely flimsy and would break very easily with minimal movement.

"It may be that her mother gave birth outside and was moving her when she dropped her, or it could be that someone was out walking her mother and did not realise that she had given birth.

"We would have concerns for any other pups she may have had outside as the weather continues to be extremely cold. Whatever has happened, we are keen to trace the owner of the mother and her puppy.

"Hand-rearing puppies from birth is very difficult and success rates vary but we are keeping our fingers crossed that Tilly will pull through."

Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

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