The Scottish SPCA has launched an appeal for information after a lurcher was found to have 60 wounds from a pellet gun.
The tan-coloured lurcher was found straying in the Newhouse area of Lanarkshire on August 19 and the local dog warden took him to the SSPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre in Hamilton.
Animal care experts found the lurcher, who has been named Ashton, to be very fearful of anyone approaching him. He was especially protective of his head and neck area.
Due to the dogs distress when he arrived at the centre, he was unable to receive a full veterinary check for the first few days.
Vets had to sedate him to check him over, and that’s when it became clear he had been shot.
Claire Aiton, assistant manager of the centre in Lanarkshire, said, “The dog warden had quite an ordeal trying to catch Ashton as he was so nervous.
“When he first arrived he was terrified and showing visible signs of distress.
“We were astonished to find pellet wounds all over his body and tail when he was X-rayed.
“Once the pellets had been removed and Ashton had recovered from the operation, his temperament changed quickly. He was no longer aggressive and we suspect he was reacting negatively due to the pain he was in.
“Our team has dedicated time to coaxing Ashton out of his shell and although he is still nervous, he has come on leaps and bounds. He lets us put a lead on him and he enjoys going out for walks. He’s even letting us cuddle and clap him.
“He is currently receiving the rehabilitation he needs and is not available for rehoming at the moment. When he is ready, people will be able to apply via the website.
“We would like to find out what happened to Ashton. It might be that he wandered too close to farm animals and a farmer has shot him. It is lawful for farmers to be able to do this to protect their animals.
“If anyone can provide further information on how Ashton came to be injured in this way then please contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
