Dog in Christmas jumper beaten and abandoned in West Lothian by man in white van

A dog dressed in a Christmas jumper has been found beaten and abandoned in a West Lothian car park.

Scottish SPCA inspectors investigating said that a member of the public had witnessed a man with the dog, which is a female Jack Russell type, in his van shouting and punching her.

The witness, who went on to report the incident, added that they had seen the man kicking the dog before leaving her in the Howdens car park at Inchwood business park in Bathgate and driving away.

When inspectors arrived they found the dog wearing a Christmas jumper with a pattern of white reindeer on it and a Remembrance Day poppy.

The Scottish SPCA is now appealing for anyone who recognises the dog or has information about the incident to come forward.

Inspector, Fiona Thorburn, said, “The dog is a female Jack Russell type dog that is tan with white patches on her chest and feet.

“She was wearing a knitted, brown Christmas jumper style coat with a pattern of white reindeer on it and a Remembrance Day poppy.

“The dog is microchipped but we’ve been unable to trace any details from the chip so far.

“A member of the public witnessed a man shouting and punching the dog in his van. He also kicked the dog and then left her in the car park and drove away.

“Thankfully, the witness contacted us and waited with the dog until we attended. We’re very grateful to the member of the public who helped this dog and reported the incident.

“The vehicle the man was driving was a white, Ford transit van. The male was described as stocky build, with dark hair.

“There was also a woman in the van at the time, although she did not harm the dog.

“This is quite a distinctive dog and we’re hopeful that someone will recognise her.”

If anyone recognises this dog or has any information, we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”