Dog found by Dunfermline road had been shot in face, sparking Fife police and Scottish SPCA appeal in hunt for culprit

A dog found by a roadside in Dunfermline late at night had been shot in the face, sparking a police and Scottish SPCA public appeal to trace the culprit.

The tan lurcher-type dog was discovered by a motorist at the side of the A823 road, heading towards a recycling centre, at about 11pm last Friday, and it was handed in to Inglis Veterinary Centre.

Vets established that the dog had a large wound to her hind leg as well as a pellet wound to her face.

It was originally believed the animal may have been struck by a vehicle but, following X-raying, vets were shocked to discover she 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.

“We are working closely with Police Scotland to establish the circumstances around the dog’s injuries due to the use of a firearm in the incident.

Vets were shocked to discover the dog had been shot. Pic: SSPCA

“We would like to find out what happened to the dog. If anyone recognises her or has any information on how she came to be in this situation they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2421 of 7 February.”

Inspector Stephen Kay, of Fife Police Division, Police Scotland, said: “We are working jointly with the Scottish SPCA to understand what has happened to this dog, however the results from the x-ray are very concerning.

“The use of a weapon and violence on an animal is wholly unacceptable and we would ask for the public’s support in identifying and tracing the person or persons responsible for this act.”

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The dog was found by the roadside in Dunfermline. Pic: SSPCA

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