‘Extremely callous act’ - Dog found shaved and dumped in Midlothian hedge at mercy of snow and freezing conditions as SSPCA make public appeal

A dog was found shaved and dumped in a hedge in a Midlothian village at the mercy of snow and freezing conditions.
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The Scottish SPCA was alerted to the incident in Gorebridge after a member of the public discovered the dog, believed to be a cream and tan saluki, on top of the 6ft hedge bordering their property on Tuesday.

The dog also had its fur shaved off, leaving him at the mercy of snow and freezing temperatures.

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Scottish SPCA Inspector, Fiona Thorburn, said: “This was an extremely callous act and the dog is incredibly lucky that he was spotted.

“Salukis are thin dogs who feel the cold anyway but without any fur for protection, it’s likely he would have succumbed to the elements within a day or so if he hadn’t been found.

“The dog is a young male who is not neutered and who we believe is cream and tan in colour.

“We believe he may have been shaved in an attempt to disguise his breed as salukis are quite distinctive looking dogs.

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“He has been taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where he is receiving lots of care and a warm bed.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog was found dumped in a hedge in Gorebridge on February 9 in freezing conditions. Pictures: SSPCAThe Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog was found dumped in a hedge in Gorebridge on February 9 in freezing conditions. Pictures: SSPCA
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog was found dumped in a hedge in Gorebridge on February 9 in freezing conditions. Pictures: SSPCA

“We would like to find out what happened to the dog. If anyone recognises him or has any information on how he came to be in this situation they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

It comes after a dog found by a roadside in Dunfermline late last Friday was found to have been shot in the head.

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