An abandoned puppy has been found curled up next to its dead brother after the tiny dogs were dumped in woods near Edinburgh.
The grim discovery was made by a member of the public in Deepsyke Woods near the Pentland Hills on Sunday, October 9. It is the second time in less than a week that puppies have been found in the area after the three male crossbreeds were discovered starving and riddled with worms in nearby Carlops on Tuesday, October 4.
Scottish SPCA ( SSPCA ) officers investigating the two incidents believe the animals are from the same litter. It appears the abandoned litter split up and headed in different directions.
Although the 14-week-old female pup survived, she was found extremely underweight and with dirty teeth from trying to find food. She is now being cared for at a rescue and rehoming centre.
The animal welfare charity has launched an investigation into the discoveries and have appealed to anybody with information to come forward.
SSPCA inspector, Tracy Dow, said, “The female puppy was found curled up next to her deceased brother. She is approximately 14-weeks-old and is tan in colour. She is in really poor condition.
“It is clear she has been struggling to survive in the woods as she is emaciated and her teeth are dirty from trying to find food. We are all extremely saddened by the discovery and our hearts go out to the male puppy who did not make it.
“We understand that people’s circumstances can change, but this is not the right way to give up an animal and these dogs would have been caused a great amount of distress. Thankfully the female puppy is now safe and being cared for by one of our rescue and rehoming centres.
“We are unsure how many pups were in this litter, and are asking members of the public in the local area to be vigilant. We are urging anyone who recognises this puppy or has any information to please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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