A DOG has been savagely beaten to death and dumped in a canal at one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a black and white terrier was found with horrific injuries by patrol staff at the Falkirk Wheel on Monday.
The male dog was pulled out of the water and taken for post-mortem, where it was revealed it had sustained a severely fractured skull, multiple broken ribs and bad bruising.
His ribs were broken with such force there was blood in his lungs.
Inspector Leanne McPake said: “A post-mortem concluded the dog died as a result of a head trauma. We believe the dog’s injuries were inflicted with an instrument such as a hammer or a forceful kick.
“We know the dog was alive for several minutes after being struck, meaning his suffering was prolonged. His dead body was then callously dumped in the water.
“CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed. In the meantime we would appeal to anyone who knows of someone who owned a dog matching the description or has any other information to contact us.
“The dog was a small un-neutered black and white male terrier type. He was wearing a very thin leather collar and it is thought he was a young adult. We believe this barbaric attack happened within the last seven to ten days.
“We are very keen to find whoever is responsible for carrying out this horrifically cruel and brutal attack on a defenceless dog.”
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal 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 being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
