THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after an elderly dog was abandoned on a roadside in Throsk in a terrible condition.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was called to investigate the incident which took place near Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter at Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk, on Sunday morning (31 March).

Staff reported seeing a dark coloured car drive up the lane next to the kennels at around 10am. The car stopped and the dog was dumped out on to the road with a small metal dish and some food and water before the occupants drove off.

The dog is an elderly male Yorkshire terrier who was in extremely poor condition. His coat was heavily matted with faeces and soaked in urine and several of his teeth were loose and rotting.

He was taken to a local vet for examination and treatment and he is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA's Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Hamilton. He has been named Sparky.

Inspector Louise Seddon said, "Whoever abandoned Sparky had very little concern for his welfare.

"They most likely chose to dump him close to the dog shelter in the hope that he would be found, but he could quite easily have been run over and killed.

"Furthermore, he has been left in a truly awful condition and has quite clearly been caused discomfort and distress.

"It could have taken several weeks if not longer for Sparky's coat to get into such a state and the vet who examined him said that the matts were affecting his eyes and completely covering the pads of his feet to the point where he was walking on lumps of matted hair and faeces.

"We are very keen to speak to anyone who recognises Sparky or the description of the car."

Abandoning and causing an animal unnecessary suffering are offences under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.