A STARVING dog has been saved after being found at the bottom of a steep embankment.
The male Labrador crossbreed was found emaciated and with festering wounds on a farm track near Burtisland in Fife.
The animal was found on Saturday by a dog walker after the man’s own dog went to investigate and refused to return.
The dog was painfully thin, had an open wound on his head which had become infected and further injuries to his face, with swelling around his eye and muzzle.
Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) staff say his fear made him aggressive at first but quickly realised he was being helped.
He was taken to a local vet surgery for treatment before being transferred to the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where staff have named him Toby.
Inspector Nicola Liddell said, “This poor soul was very lucky to be found as he was tucked away out of sight down an embankment off a remote farm track.
Fear
“The man who found Toby was out walking and it was only when his dog wouldn’t come away from the area that he went to have a look.
“He appeared aggressive at first but this was purely through fear. Once I caught him he seemed to realise that we were here to help him and he was so grateful to have been found.
“Toby was very wobbly on his feet but he managed to clamber into the back of my van where he lay down.
“The vet who examined him thinks his wounds may be a bite from another dog or some other sort of trauma.
“Flies were buzzing around his head and hundreds of fly eggs had been laid around the wounds. Clearly he was suffering, not just from the injuries to his head and face but also from his extremely thin condition.
“Anyone who recognises Toby and knows who might have owned him should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. We really need to find out how he got into such a dreadful state so any information could help us track down who is responsible for him.”
Thankfully Toby is beginning to recover from his ordeal. Inspector Liddell added, “He is doing great, his wounds are looking so much better and he is much brighter in himself.
“All he wants is cuddles. He is such a sweet wee dog.”
Anyone found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering can face stiff penalties including up to 12 months in prison, a £20,000 fine or both. They can also expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
