A probe has been launched after a starving dog in an 'awful condition' had to be put down by animal welfare bosses.
The old, white, female West Highland Terrier was found alone in a play park in Hamilton's Tuphall Road last Thursday.
Chiefs at the Scottish SPCA took care of the animal after she was handed in at the Low Water Veterinary Centre and vets there phoned the charity.
Tragically the pooch was found to be emaciated with a skin and ear condition, possible kidney failure and her back legs were no longer working.
Heartbroken bosses had to put down the small dog to stop her suffering and are now looking how she came to be alone in her final hours.
Scottish SPCA inspector Robyn Myszor said, “The dog was a geriatric, female, white West Highland terrier.
“She was not microchipped or wearing a collar.
“This poor dog was in an awful condition when she was found. She was emaciated with a skin and ear condition, possible kidney failure and her back legs were no longer working.
“On veterinary advice it was decided that the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep and end her suffering.
“We’re keen to find out how the dog came to be in this condition and why she was left alone in the play park when she was clearly unwell.
“Although we appreciate the owner may have meant for the dog to be found, this is not the proper way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.
“If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
The find comes on the same week a dead dog was found dumped in a bin in a Scots graveyard.
A 'very distressed' bypasser made the grim discovery of the female terrier in the bin at the Cemetery Lodge on Howe Road in Kilsyth last Monday.
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