Elderly dog found by roadside had cancer and could barely walk

Roadside dog: Collie cross died at an animal shelter in Aberdeenshire.Scottish SPCA

A dog found at the side of a road was "in a terrible state" and suffering from multiple tumours, an animal charity has revealed.

The 14-year-old male collie cross dog was discovered by the A957 in Durris on Friday by a member of the public, who took him to a local vet in Aberdeenshire.

The animal welfare charity found the brindle and white dog to be very thin and struggling to walk. He was taken to the Scottish SPCA's Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre where he died overnight.

A post-mortem examination found he was suffering from several tumours on his liver, which were the likely cause of his death, although he was also elderly and in general poor health.

Chief Inspector John Carle said: "This poor dog was in a terrible state when he was found. He could barely walk and his bones were clearly visible. The post-mortem results could not confirm whether the tumours on his liver caused his death, but stated this was very likely.

"We can't be sure how he came to be at the side of a road which is why we're asking the public to help us with our enquiries. It may be he had strayed away from home but there's also a possibility he was abandoned when he desperately needed help.

"The fact he did not survive is a tragic outcome and we are urging anyone who can help us trace his owner to contact us as soon as possible."

Abandoning and causing an animal unnecessary suffering are offences and anyone found guilty of doing so can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

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

People who read this story also read