'Badger baiting' dogs abandoned in Lanark and Gretna

The second dog was found in Gretna and is being treated for its injuries

The Scottish SPCA has made an appeal for information after two dogs suspected to have been used in badger baiting were found abandoned.

The first - a black, terrier-type dog - was found in Lanark on 20 April but subsequently had to be put down due to the severity of its injuries.

A day later, a lurcher cross was found in Gretna also badly injured but is now making a recovery.

The animal charity is looking for any information leading to their owners.

The terrier-type dog was found in Lanark but had to be put down due to its injuries

An undercover inspector said: "We were alerted to the black terrier-type dog on Thursday 20 April when he was found hiding under a member of the public's car in the Sandilands area in Lanark.

"He was around two years old and had a distinctive white star on his chest.

"His injuries, across his jaw and face, were consistent with badger-baiting and he was obviously in considerable pain.

"Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries he has since been put to sleep following veterinary advice."

The lurcher cross, which is black with four white paws and a white patch on its chest, was found on 21 April in Gretna and taken to a vet clinic in Carlisle.

"He has been named Bruce and is currently receiving veterinary care for his extensive injuries," said the Scottish SPCA inspector.

"We're hopeful he'll make a full recovery but we're keen to speak to the people responsible for his condition."