Police are hunting a thug who shot a dog in the face and left it to die beside a Fife road.
The tan coloured lurcher-type dog was found at the side of the A823 road near the local recycling centre in Dunfermline on Friday night.
The Scottish SPCA was alerted to the incident after a passer-by discovered the dog.
The terrified animal was handed in to the Inglis Veterinary Centre where staff treated a large wound to her hind leg as well as injuries to the face caused by pellets.
It was originally believed she had been a victim of a road traffic accident, but an X-ray revealed she had been shot.
Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross said: “We were astonished to hear the vet had found a pellet in the dog’s face when she was X-rayed.
“We dread to think what would have happened to this poor dog if the member of the public hadn’t spotted her.
“She is currently receiving the rehabilitation she needs at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland to establish the circumstances around the dog’s injuries due to the use of a firearm in the incident.
“We would like to find out what happened to the dog. If anyone recognises her or has any information on how she came to be in this situation they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2421 of 7 February.”
Inspector Stephen Kay from Fife Police Division, Police Scotland, said: "We are working jointly with the Scottish SPCA to understand what has happened to this dog, however the results from the x-ray are very concerning.
“The use of a weapon and violence on an animal is wholly unacceptable and we would ask for the public's support in identifying and tracing the person or persons responsible for this act.”
