A dog abandoned at a lay-by alongside tins of pet food is being cared for by staff at an Aberdeenshire animal welfare centre.
A passer-by discovered the collie crossbreed beside a rural road near Crimond, between Peterhead and Fraserburgh, on Tuesday night.
The black and white male, which is thought to be aged between two and three years old, has been named Benson.
Scottish SPCA were alerted and Benson is now being cared for at the organisation’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Drumoak, near Banchory.
Chief Inspector John Carle said: “Benson was sitting next to a tray of tinned dog food, one of which had been opened for him.
“We think he had been trying to get to the food in the other tins as the plastic surrounding them had saliva over it.
“He wasn’t tied up so it’s lucky he didn’t run on to the road and come to harm.
“Unfortunately it does appear Benson was abandoned and we are keen to hear from anyone who recognises him and knows who may have owned him.”
Despite its predicament, the dog is in good condition and is friendly to women, but slightly apprehensive around men.
Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period, or life.
Mr Carle added: “We will soon find him the new and loving home he deserves.”
Meanwhile, anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the SSPCA on 03000 999 999.