Starved dog found wrapped in duvet cover

The female Staffordshire bull terrier, who was discovered on February 9 wrapped in a duvet cover, had been dead for at least two weeks.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information from the public in a bid to identify the dog’s owner.

Inspector Nicola Liddell said, “The dog, an adult female Staffordshire bull terrier type, was brown brindle with white markings on her chest, neck and feet.

“She was wearing a purple and pink checked collar and had been wrapped in a single duvet cover which was white with large, coloured dots.

“This poor soul was in emaciated body condition, weighing less than half her expected weight.

“A post-mortem revealed she has been dead for at least two weeks prior to being found, possibly as long as two months.

She added: “This dog was in an awful condition when she died and we are urging anyone with information on this shocking case to contact us as soon as possible.

“Someone may be aware of a person in the area who had a dog matching this description which has suddenly disappeared.

“Information is received in the strictest confidence and can be reported anonymously.”

Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.