A dog was hours away from freezing to death after being shaved and abandoned in the snow.
The poor animal was dumped on top of a six-foot hedge in Gorebridge, Midlothian, but was thankfully found by a passer-by.It’s believed the male dog is a cream and tan saluki. All of its fur had been shaved off, leaving it defenceless against the freezing cold.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Fiona Thorburn said: ‘This was an extremely callous act and the dog is incredibly lucky that he was spotted.
‘Salukis are thin dogs who feel the cold anyway but without any fur for protection it’s likely he would have succumbed to the elements within a day or so if he hadn’t been found.
‘The dog is a young male who is not neutered and who we believe is cream and tan in colour.
‘We believe he may have been shaved in an attempt to disguise his breed as salukis are quite distinctive-looking dogs.
‘He has been taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where he is receiving lots of care and a warm bed.’
An inexpensive and easy summer treat for dogs: Cut up apples in chicken broth and freeze in an ice cube tray.
The dog had a large wound to her hind leg as well as injuries to the face. It was originally believed she had been a victim of a road traffic accident.
However, an X-ray found the dog had been shot.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Stephanie Ross said: ‘We were astonished to hear the vet had found a pellet in the dog’s face when she was X-rayed.‘We dread to think what would have happened to this poor dog if the member of the public hadn’t spotted her.
‘She is currently receiving the rehabilitation she needs at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.’
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