‘Terrified’ dog found in street with 60 pellet gun wounds

The tan-coloured lurcher has been taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA.

‘Terrified’ dog found in street with 60 pellet gun wounds

A dog has been found in North Lanarkshire with 60 wounds from a pellet gun.

The tan-coloured lurcher was spotted in Newhouse on August 19 and was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA.

Animal care experts said the canine, who has been named Ashton, was “very fearful” and protective of his head and neck.

Once a full veterinary check was completed, it became clear he had been shot.

An operation was carried out and the pellets were removed. The dog is currently in rehabilitation.

Injuries: The wounds were found all over his body in an X-ray. <strong>Scottish SPCA</strong>”/></div><figcaption aria-hidden=true>Injuries: The wounds were found all over his body in an X-ray. <strong>Scottish SPCA</strong> <cite class=hidden></cite></figcaption></figure><p>The Scottish SPCA has launched an appeal for information on how he came to be injured.</p><p>Claire Aiton, assistant manager of Lanarkshire rescue and rehoming centre, said: “The dog warden had quite an ordeal trying to catch Ashton as he was so nervous.</p><p>“When he first arrived he was terrified and showing visible signs of distress.</p><p>“We were astonished to find pellet wounds all over his body and tail when he was X-rayed.</p><p>“Once the pellets had been removed and Ashton had recovered from the operation, his temperament changed quickly. He was no longer aggressive and we suspect he was reacting negatively due to the pain he was in.</p><p>“Our team has dedicated time to coaxing Ashton out of his shell and although he is still nervous, he has come on leaps and bounds. He lets us put a lead on him and he enjoys going out for walks. He’s even letting us cuddle and clap him.</p><p>“He is currently receiving the rehabilitation he needs and is not available for rehoming at the moment. When he is ready, people will be able to apply via the website.</p><p>“We would like to find out what happened to Ashton. It might be that he wandered too close to farm animals and a farmer has shot him. It is lawful for farmers to be able to do this to protect their animals.”</p><p>If anyone can provide further information, they should contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on <strong>03000 999 999</strong>.</p><div class=
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