david broughton says

I am David Broughton.. the alsatian, Saffy, is mine. The implication that she was carelessly abandoned is complete rubbish.

Cllr A Mahoney and Maria Gillespie will tell SSPCA that I talked to them about my fruitless search for Saffy, both on foot and in the car. ( 17th )

I also phoned the Grangemouth dog warden for any news. On 21st a neighbour told me of a Radio Forth news item about a tail-less alsatian found in Bo'ness.

I phoned SSPCA, they denied knowledge. R Forth confirmed SSPCA as source of the report. It took until 23rd for SSPCA to admit they had Saffy.

They have gone to media without checking any background, to my obvious damage, as many people in Bo'ness know fine where a tailless alsatian lives!

She has a National Dog Tattoo Register serial no. in her ear, which by a phone call, would trace her straight to me. Saffy has kidney disease and seems unable to process her food properly.

She has many friends in Kinneil both human and canine, and they know that she is much loved by me and my family.

The kidney problem cost near £800, but no cure is available. She is on a low protein diet. She is 10 y/o. She is incontinent. We had been wondering whether her next visit to the vet should be her last... but it's a very hard call.

I would have hoped for support from SSPCA, but clearly publicity comes before the welfare of Saffy and her family.

Maria Ford says

I can also back David's statement. I am a walker of the woods and know Saffy and her condition. I met David on Friday the 18th and he told me of Saffy's disappearance and that he had contacted the Dog Warden and was continuing with his search. I too am outraged that the SSPCA did not even do a thorough check on Saffy or they would have seen the chip in her ear. This would have rectified any suspicions of neglect and enabled them to find the owner and immediately receive a medical background from Saffy's Vet. I now will think twice on donating to this charity due to the grief that this has caused Saffy and the family.

Tom Blatch says

I am David's step-son and I can also verify Saffy was a well loved and cared for pet. While she looked fairly emaciated she was full and energy and life - hence her bid for freedom in the 1st place! As per the other comments, had the SSPCA carried out a proper inspection of the dog they would have identified her and verified the details of her illness with the vet. But instead, they went to the press with their ill-founded and unverified claims which caused our family a fair amount of distress. We should have been celebrating the return of our dog and enjoying our Christmas day but instead we found ourselves upset by Leanne Cakes hurtful comments. How wrong can the SSPCA get it? This is a massive failure of their part and a disservice to all loving pet owners. Our first priority is to get our dog back safe and well. After that we will be looking to get answers from the SSPCA and hopefully find someone accountable for their failure.

coot smithson says

I'm also quite shocked they didn't check the dog's background etc fully before going to press. Hope you get the apology you deserve!

George Dougal says

I am David's neighbour. He informed me on the day after Saffy went missing and was obviously distressed that Saffy was missing. I saw David go out looking for Saffy on a few occasions. Can vouch for Saffy's long term illness and disapointed SSPCA did not carry out some basic checks before they went public with this story.