Two West Highland terriers have been found abandoned near an illegal travellers' site in Dumbarton.

An animal charity has appealed for any information about the elderly male and female dogs, who were rescued in poor condition near to the River Leven.

Members of the public reported seeing the small dogs in the river and when the Scottish SPCA arrived they were rescued from the edge of the embankment.

The dogs, aged between 11 and 12 years old, were suffering from infections and had badly matted fur when found near Havoc Road in the Westcliff area.

Staff at Dunbartonshire and West Scotland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Milton have been caring for the dogs since they were found earlier this month and have named them Captain and Queenie.

Now the centre is working towards finding the dogs a new home once they are fit and healthy.

Joe McDade, the centre's manager, said: "The westies were initially reported to have been seen in the river, but when our ambulance driver arrived they were stood at the bottom of the embankment.

"Both Captain and Queenie had very overgrown coats which were badly matted so we had them bathed and clipped and they are now looking much better.

"However, Queenie is quite unwell, suffering from ear and eye infections and our vets are concerned about her back legs, which she seems to be having some problems with.

"Captain is also suffering from an eye infection but overall he's in fairly good health."

New home

The animal charity says the "lovely" dogs will make wonderful pets for the right owners.

Mr McDade added: "They are a lovely wee pair and would make fantastic pets for the right owner, but they are both under vet treatment at the moment so they aren't available for rehoming at this stage."

The charity is also looking for any information about how the dogs ended up at the river.

He said: "We'd like to know how Captain and Queenie came to be found by the river so if anyone recognises them, or saw anyone with the dogs then please get in touch.

"Anyone with information relating to the dogs should contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999."