Abandoned: St Bernard is now being looked after at kennels. Pic: SSPCA
A pedigree St Bernard was found tied to a tree in Glenrothes - with her bed left beside her.
Animal welfare officials said on Wednesday that the dog was found by a passing member of the public in the Fife town.
They are now appealing for information to help trace the dog's owner - the maximum penalty for abandoning an animal is a six-month jail sentence, £5000 fine and a ban on owning animals.
The passer-by who found the tan and white pedigree bitch took her to a nearby police station. She was then transferred to Langdyke Kennels, near Kennoway, for care.
Staff there contacted the Scottish SPCA to investigate the incident after the discovery, at around 7pm on Sunday.
Senior inspector Steven Gray said: "This poor girl was found tethered to a tree with her dog bed next to her, so clearly whoever owned her had no intention of coming back.
"It's quite unusual for us to find a pedigree dog such as a St Bernard abandoned as they are expensive and desirable breeds, which are generally easy to rehome. She is not in the best condition and is quite underweight for her size. However, she's receiving good care at Langdykes and is being checked over by a vet.
"Whoever did this should know that it is an offence to abandon an animal and this is something we take very seriously. Anyone who recognises the dog or knows who may have owned her should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
A spokeswoman for the SSPCA added that the dog, aged three or four years old, would probably not have to stay in the shelter for long.
She said: "Our experience is that pedigree dogs find new owners very quickly. But, being a St Bernard, she is very big and it does require someone who has the experience and space to keep such a high-maintenance dog."
