A HEARTLESS dog-owner dumped an elderly dog in a garden on Hogmanay.
The aged border-collie, called Bess, was found on the morning of Hogmanay when she was seen wandering in the garden of an Edinburgh home.
When residents of the house spotted the collie at 8.30am on December 31, they called the Scottish SPCA to have her collected.
The dog is thought to have been dumped in the garden as her age would have prevented her from jumping the fence on her own.
An inspector from the SSPCA arrived on the scene and collected the dog, where she was taken to a vet surgery for examination.
It was confirmed that the dog was suffering from advanced arthritis and had a skin complaint causing bald patches around her eyes.
The dog is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno, where staff named her Bess.
Inspector Surgeon said, “This poor girl is clearly aged, but her body condition and untreated skin complaint are both indications that she has not received the care and attention she deserves.
“We are not sure how Bess got into the garden as the gate was shut and suffering from arthritis it’s unlikely that she would have been able to crawl through any holes or jump over the fence. We can only assume she was put there.
“It’s very upsetting to see an elderly dog, who has obviously been a loyal and loving pet, abandoned outside, particularly at this time of year when it is very cold and wet.
“It’s not been a great start to 2012 for Bess, but she is safe now and getting well looked after at our rescue centre inEdinburgh.
“We are very keen to trace her owner as abandoning an animal is an offence. We also hope that we will be able to find her a loving home where she can enjoy her retirement in comfort and peace.”
Anyone who recognises Bess should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
