WHO COULD BE SO CRUEL?
SSPCA appeal for info after pet killed
A defenceless pet Chihuahua was killed in a sickening incident after its neck was deliberately broken.
Shocked Scottish SPCA welfare officers are appealing for help in tracing the owner of the pet, whose lifeless little body was found on a Shotts back road.
The Chihuahua had not been neutered and was not microchipped.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was notified by a member of the public who found the dog dead in the Harthill Road area on Saturday, October 5.
A post mortem was carried out and the results revealed its neck had been broken on purpose.
It’s believed the dog was subjected to the stomachchurning attack just a short time before being discovered.
Inspector Dawn Robertson of Scottish SPCA, said: “The male long-haired Chihuahua was found at around 8pm.
“The person who alerted us to the dog found him on a back road. He was still dry and rigor mortis had not yet set in.
“The post-mortem results showed that the cause of death was severe trauma to the neck
region which caused the neck to break. This suggests this was a deliberate act.
“We would like to determine the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death. He was in poor body condition and had fleas. ”
A spokesperson for the Dogs Trust charity, said: “Animal cruelty in any form is abhorrent and inexcusable but sadly not uncommon.
“Sometimes the most responsible thing a dog owner can do is admit they are no longer able to care for their pets.
“Should anyone find themselves in this situation, we would always advise taking their dog to a local Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre or rescue charity.”
Under current animal cruelty laws the perpetrator could face a jail term of up to 12 months, a fine of up to £20,000, or both.
A Bill put before the Scottish Parliament earlier this month to amend the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and bring in tougher penalties for offenders is at its first stage. If passed it will lead to increased sentences for offenders.
The proposed amendment to the current legislation would give courts the power to impose jail sentences of up to five years in certain circumstances.
Anyone with information relating to the Chihuahua or its owner is urged to call the confidential Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.