Builder and owner at odds over ‘neglect’ pet dog claim

Builders contacted police after a dog was allegedly left in a car overnight in sub-zero conditions.

Self-employed labourer Mark Herron, 28, from Arbroath, said workers on site in the Noran Avenue area of the town had become concerned after hearing the animal whimpering from a blue Vauxhall Corsa.

The dog has now been reunited with her owner and police have taken no further action.

Mark, who has been working on council houses in the area, said the animal looked “malnourished” after they took the decision to remove her from the vehicle.

He said: “The vehicle was completely covered in snow and there were no footprints around the car.

“We heard the dog whimpering and contacted police.

“They began chapping on doors in the area to try to locate the owner.

“We took the decision to get the dog out as the door on the vehicle wasn’t shut properly.

“The dog had its tail between its legs. It looked malnourished.

“We managed to get it some food and water — it was shivering. It seemed grateful just to be getting something to eat.”

Mark felt the dog should not have been left in the car overnight but the owner has disputed it was left for that period of time.

A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm it attended in Noran Avenue, Arbroath, about 8.30am on Tuesday in response to concerns being raised for a dog in a car.

“The owner of the dog and car was traced and the dog returned to him.”