An investigation has been launched after the dead body of a young dog was found inside a nailed shut wooden box.
The grim discovery was made by a horrified member of the public on the A71 near Newmains, North Lanarkshire, on Monday morning.
The Record understands that blood was found inside the wooden structure, sparking fears the animal came to harm deliberately.
Details from the dog’s microchip have revealed she was a Hungarian Vizsla, who was initially registered in Hungary and was last seen by a vet in September 2021.
It is not currently known how the dog came to be in Scotland or how she died, due to the level of decomposition.
The Scottish SPCA have told the Daily Record they are investigating but cannot comment further due to the ongoing probe.
Find Jeff Scotland, an animal welfare group, have appealed for anyone with information to contact the authorities.
They said: “We were contacted today by a dog rescue friend from Lanarkshire Trap and Scan Crew who had the upsetting task of scanning a deceased dog found in a wooden box, nailed shut and dumped in a lay-by.
“This may have been someone who has sadly lost their beloved pet through illness or accident and was not able to afford to make proper provision for the dog. However this is not the way to deal with a situation like this.
“We also don't want to consider was she alive when placed in the box? Was this a deliberate act of cruelty? If so, those responsible need to be found ASAP.
"This is so distressing and disrespectful for the poor dog to be discarded like rubbish.
“This poor girl was a Hungarian Vizsla, with a Hungarian microchip showing which vet implanted her chip. Investigations are ongoing however if someone happens to know of a dog fitting this description who has suddenly not been seen with their owner or perhaps allegedly gone missing etc, it would be good to know, just in case any light can be shed on this sad situation.”
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