An investigation has been launched after a flea-infested dog was discovered wandering the streets of a north-east town.
The white female terrier mongrel, which has been named Gem by her rescuers, was spotted in a quiet residential area in the seaside town of Banff.
As well as having fleas, the pooch – who has had to undergo emergency dental work to take out her rotting teeth – also had a skin condition.
Now the Scottish SPCA has appealed for anyone with information about her previous owner to come forward.
The pooch was found in Banff’s Tannery Stree and is understood to be an older dog.
Last night senior inspector Lesley Crockett from the Scottish SPCA said: “Gem was taken to a vet as she was suffering from a severe skin condition and was infested with fleas.
“Her teeth were extremely decayed and have had to be removed. We aren’t sure what age Gem is, but we think she is an older dog.”
Ms Crockett said that it was a “shame” that Gem has had to suffer, but that despite her serious health problems is now on the mend and showing signs of being a friendly pet.
“We are appealing to anyone who recognises Gem to contact us as we are keen to establish how she came to be in this condition,” she added.
Gem is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s north-east animal rescue and re-homing centre in Drumoak where she is being cared for by a team of vets and volunteers.
Scottish SPCA inspectors visited Banff earlier this year when a kitten was killed in an illegal snare at a nearby windfarm.
A passerby discovered the four-month-old black female kitten, which died from asphyxiation after becoming tangled in the wire trap.
An undercover inspector from the charity said the creature’s final moments would have been “extremely distressing”.
Members of the public with information about Gem is urged to contact the SSPCA’s Aberdeenshire centre on 03000 999999.