The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog with a microchip registered to an address in Tyne and Wear was found in poor condition in Aberdeenshire.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by police on Sunday (2 August) after the bischon frise type dog was discovered in the Rosehearty area.
She is now in the care of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Drumoak, where staff have named her Sally.
Centre manager Graeme Innes said, “As well as being extremely uncomfortable due to her matting, Sally is almost two kilograms underweight.
“At this point we do not know if Sally has escaped from home or been abandoned.
“It’s possible her owners have moved from the Tyne and Wear area to Aberdeenshire and haven’t updated her microchip details.
“Unfortunately the contact numbers registered to her chip are unrecognised and we have been unable to get in touch with her owner.
“We are urging anyone who recognises Sally to call our helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Abandoning an animal or causing unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.