“Don’t Abandon Animals—There Is Always Help,” pleads Scottish SPCA as they discover abandoned dog in Livingston.
In a distressing incident, a frightened young border collie type dog was discovered cowering beside some bushes in Livingston – abandoned and alone.
The discovery was made on Saturday, 10 May, near Almondvale Stadium. A concerned member of the public alerted the police, who arrived on the scene but were unable to approach and secure the petrified dog.
Police Scotland then called in the Scottish SPCA for help.
Abandoned dog dumped like rubbish and left to fend for himself
When the charity’s Animal Rescue Officer arrived, they were met with a heartbreaking sight: the frightened dog had been left behind with all his belongings—his crate, and a bag of food—dumped like rubbish and left to fend for himself.
It took time and gentle coaxing, but eventually the animal rescue officer gained the animal’s trust and was able to secure him safely.
The young male dog is now being cared for in the safety of one of their animal rescue and rehoming centres.
Help is available. One call could mean the difference between safety and suffering.
A Scottish SPCA inspector said: “This is a stark and painful reminder that there is absolutely no excuse for abandoning an animal. There is help available, and abandonment should never be the answer.
“While the dog is microchipped, the details are outdated and no longer valid.
“He was left in an incredibly vulnerable state, both physically and emotionally.
“If anyone feels overwhelmed or unable to cope with their pet, we urge them to reach out.
One call could mean the difference between safety and suffering.”
The charity is now appealing to the public for any information about the dog’s abandonment. If you recognise him or know anything about how he came to be left behind, please contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Free health checks for pets
Last month The Scottish SPCA announced their community support is expanding further, with new community animal behaviour support and the launch of Pet Aid Community Hubs.
The new Hubs bring the charity’s services and support into high streets and community centres across the country through ‘pop up’ events. At each event the public can get free health checks for their pets, access support for pet food, speak to an animal behaviourist, the adoption and fostering team, and more.
Services like Pet Aid are providing a vital lifeline to thousands of people and their pets
Scottish SPCA’s Head of Rehoming, Fostering & Community Engagement Jennie Macdonald said:
“We know that services like Pet Aid are providing a vital lifeline to thousands of people and their pets, and we are going much further in 2025 to bring this kind of early help and preventative support into communities across the country.
“No-one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pet or struggling with their pets’ health or behaviour because they are frightened about having to give up their much-loved companion.
“We can already see that our community services are better for animal welfare and better for local communities. Expanding our community services, reaching more animals and people than ever, is also the best use of our supporters’ money – every penny we receive is donated by the public. We are pleased to be bringing more of these services into communities this year to help keep more pets and people together where they belong.”
For those who want help
For those who want to help struggling pet owners and their companions, donations can be made at https://www.scottishspca.org/
A list of Pet Aid donation points can also be found at https://www.scottishspca.org/what-we-do/pet-aid/ and information about the Community Hubs https://www.scottishspca.org/what-we-do/pet-aid-community-hubs/
