SSPCA appeal after dog found shot dead and burned near Fochabers
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog was shot dead and dumped in a forest near Fochabers.
The black and white female border collie, which had been placed in a plastic bag and burned, was found in the woods between Nether Dallachy and Spey Bay, Fochabers with a bullet wound in its head.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was notified by a member of the public who found the dog on the morning of November 25.
Scottish SPCA inspector Lesley Crockett said: "The person who alerted us to the dog found the body at around 11am in a plastic feed type bag, which had been taped up and an attempt had been made to set it on fire.
"A post mortem showed that the dog had been killed by a single shot but had a very severe mammary tumour which had not been treated. She had also had abdominal surgery within the last six months.
"It is an offence to fail to provide veterinary treatment for an animal that is sick or injured."
But there may be a lead on the owner, through a previous owner. Mrs Crockett added: "The dog was microchipped to its previous owner, who had sold her four years previously. From that we know she was nine years old and called Nell.
"We would be keen to speak to the owners to establish the circumstances surrounding Nell’s death."
Fochabers-Lhanbryde councillor David Bremner (SNP) hoped that, through the previous owner, the perpetrator could be found. He said: "You are lost for words about how someone can do something like that. It's just dreadful.
"Perhaps the previous owner might shed some light on where the dog went. If the public know anything at all – even something as simple as a parked car – they should get in touch with the SSPCA."
Councillor Marc Macrae (Fochabers-Lhanbryde, Conservative) added: "It's very shocking to hear. No mistreatment of any animal should be tolerated.
"If they couldn't cope with poor dog should have passed it on. If people find they are struggling to look after their pets they should seek help from agencies, such as the SSPCA or PDSA."
Contact the SSPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 if you believe you have any information that could help identify the owner.
