A Staffordshire Bull Terrier found suffering from a ruptured mammary tumour which spread into her chest has been put to sleep.
The female dog was handed in to Coatbridge police station, North Lanarkshire, by two members of the public on Wednesday, January 12.
She was later examined by vets who discovered she was in a generally poor condition and in pain as a result of the large, protruding lump.
In a bid to end her suffering, they decided the dog needed to be euthanised on welfare grounds.
The Scottish SPCA is now appealing for help to find the two people who handed her in as they try to establish the circumstances of how she became so unwell.
One of the men is described as being between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in tall with a short beard and was wearing dark clothing with a beanie hat.
The other man is said to be approximately 6ft, well-built and was wearing a grey jacket at the time.
Scottish SPCA inspector Jack Marshall said, “The dog was a female white and tan Staffordshire bull terrier.
“Unfortunately she was not microchipped or wearing a collar when she was found.
“The dog was in generally poor condition and was also suffering from a huge mammary tumour, which had ruptured. On further investigation it was discovered the tumour had spread to her chest.
“On veterinary advice it was decided that the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep and end her suffering.
“We’d like to speak to the members of the public who handed her in so we can get some more information on the circumstances in which she was initially found.
“The two members of the public who handed her in are both male.
“One was between 5'7 and 5'8 in height with a short beard, dark clothing and beanie hat and the other was approximately 6ft, well-built and wearing a grey jacket
“We’re keen to find out how the dog came to be in this condition and why she was left alone when she was clearly unwell and in pain.
“While we appreciate veterinary treatment can be expensive, this is not the correct procedure to follow if you can no longer take care of an animal or afford medical treatment.
“If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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