A stray dog was found distressed and riddled with wounds from a pellet gun in Lanarkshire.
The tan-coloured lurcher had 60 wounds on his body when he was found in Newhouse on August 19.
The dog, who has now been named Ashton, was so hurt when he arrived at the vets he had to be sedated to be checked over.
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."
