A dog was brutally beaten in a van and dumped in a car park in Bathgate. The sickening incident was witnessed by a member of the public, who saw a man lunge towards the Jack Russell in a white Ford transit van on the Inchwood Business Park in Bathgate, West Lothian, yesterday. The man shouted at the dog before punching and kicking her.
The female dog - who was wearing a Christmas jumper with white reindeer - was then dumped in the car park and the van fled the scene. She is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA, who are appealing to anybody who may recognise the dog to come forward.
The owner is described as stocky build, with dark hair. At the time of the incident, there was also a woman inside the car.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Fiona Thorburn, said, “The dog is a female Jack Russell type dog that is tan with white patches on her chest and feet. She was wearing a knitted, brown Christmas jumper style coat with a pattern of white reindeer on it and a Remembrance Day poppy.
“The dog is microchipped but we’ve been unable to trace any details from the chip so far. A member of the public witnessed a man shouting and punching the dog in his van. He also kicked the dog and then left her in the car park and drove away.
“Thankfully, the witness contacted us and waited with the dog until we attended. We’re very grateful to the member of the public who helped this dog and reported the incident. The vehicle the man was driving was a white, Ford transit van. The male was described as stocky build, with dark hair.
“There was also a woman in the van at the time, although she did not harm the dog. This is quite a distinctive dog and we’re hopeful that someone will recognise her.
“If anyone recognises this dog or has any information, we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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