Dog Abandoned In "Terrible State" In Rutherglen

A charity's hitting out after a dog suffering from a severe skin infection was abandoned in Rutherglen.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a member of the public reported the Yorkshire terrier had been tied up for over 2 hours at Fernbrae Avenue on Friday afternoon.

The animal, named Fernie, is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA's Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lanarkshire.

Inspector Stacey Erwin said, "Fernie has a really bad skin condition which has resulted in hair loss. He was also covered in fleas when he was rescued and is suffering from an eye infection.

"He is a happy wee chap despite all his problems but we are treating this as a serious case of neglect and we are keen to identify his owner and find out how he came to be in such a bad way.

"If anyone can help us with our enquiries we could ask them to contact us as soon as possible on 03000 999 999."

Abandoning and causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.