Starving dog discovered in Gilburn Place
23 Dec 2009-
The starving German Shepherd was discovered in Gilburn Place
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the dog was found wandering alone in Bo'ness in freezing temperatures.
The elderly female German Shepherd was discovered in the town's Gilburn Place by a member of the public and was collected by the local dog warden who contacted the charity for help.
The dog, believed to be around ten years old, was extremely thin and had a growth on her underside. She also had a docked tail.
Inspector Leanne McPake said, "This poor old girl was found in a terrible state. Not only is she very underweight for her size, she also has a considerable growth on her belly which appears to be a mammary tumour.
"Her tail has been docked, which is unusual for this breed, and all the hair around her neck has been rubbed away, indicating that she has either been tethered or wearing a close-fitting collar. With all these distinguishing marks we are hoping that someone will recognise her and tell us who owns her.
"Despite her condition she is a very sweet natured and gentle dog, which makes it even harder to understand why anyone would allow her to get into this state. She should have had vet treatment long before now. Whoever owns her has ignored her condition, which has resulted in her suffering unnecessarily.
"She is now being made comfortable at council-operated kennels and will receive the necessary vet attention she requires."
Anyone with information relating to the dog found on Thursday 17 December should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
Did you find the dog? What do you think of this story? Have your say on s1boness
24 Dec 2009 | 11:19:50
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.