A charity is urging people in Moray to be their “eyes and ears” in reporting any suspected animal mistreatment.
The Scottish SPCA made the call after two horrifying cases of animal abuse in the region, where pet dogs were found starved to death.
Last week Elgin woman Samantha Little, 22, was banned from owning any animal for 10 years after she admitted to starving lurcher collie Hamish to death.
And earlier last month, the emaciated remains of a small German shepherd crossbreed were discovered in Elgin’s Mayne Wood.
The charity is still trying to identify the owner of the female dog. When she was found, she was wearing a pink collar and had been wrapped in a curtain with a duvet beside her. Anyone who recognises the dog’s description to get in touch with the Scottish SPCA.
The charity’s chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The number of people banned from owning animals in Scotland is now at a record level and some of the cruelty we encounter is unimaginable.
“The public are our eyes and ears and we rely on them to contact us to report their concerns.
“Information can be provided anonymously and is always treated in the strictest confidence.”
Anyone who knows of an animal in distress should call the animal helpline on 03000 999 999.