Scottish spca urge pet owners to reach out after dog abandoned in livingston

HE IS NOW BEING CARED FOR AT ONE OF THE SCOTTISH SPCA’S ANIMAL RESCUE AND REHOMING CENTRES 14:16, 20 May 2025 An animal rescue officer recovered a frightened dog that had been abandoned by

its owner cowering beside bushes in Livingston. In the distressing incident, a young Border Collie-type dog was discovered near Almondvale Stadium on Saturday, May 10. The police were

alerted by a concerned member of the public, who arrived on the scene. However, they were unable to approach and secure the petrified dog and subsequently called in the Scottish SPCA. When

the charity’s Animal Rescue Officer arrived, they were met with a heartbreaking sight: the frightened male dog had been left behind with all his belongings, including his cage, bedding, and

a bag of food. He had been dumped and left to fend for himself. READ MORE: Over £3 million received by people in West Lothian since Carer Support Payment introduced It took time and gentle

coaxing, but eventually the animal rescue officer gained the animal’s trust and was able to secure him safely. Article continues below The dog is now being cared for in the safety of one of

the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centres. The animal charity is appealing to the public for information on the abandoned pet and advising owners who may feel unable to care for

their pet to reach out. A Scottish SPCA inspector said: “This is a stark and painful reminder that there is absolutely no excuse for abandoning an animal. There is help available, and

abandonment should never be the answer. “While the dog is microchipped, the details are outdated and no longer valid. He was left in an incredibly vulnerable state, both physically and

emotionally. “If anyone feels overwhelmed or unable to cope with their pet, we urge them to reach out. One call could mean the difference between safety and suffering.” READ MORE: Siblings

from West Lothian farm prepare to give it some welly with a marathon run in the capital If anyone recognises the abandoned dog him or know how he came to be left behind, they are asked to

contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Last month The Scottish SPCA announced their community support is expanding further, with new community animal

behaviour support and the launch of Pet Aid Community Hubs. The new hubs bring the charity’s services and support into high streets and community centres across the country through “pop up”

events, where the public can get free health checks for their pets, access support for pet food, speak to an animal behaviourist, the adoption and fostering team, and more. Scottish SPCA’s

Head of Rehoming, Fostering & Community Engagement Jennie Macdonald said: “We know that services like Pet Aid are providing a vital lifeline to thousands of people and their pets, and we

are going much further in 2025 to bring this kind of early help and preventative support into communities across the country. “No-one should have to choose between feeding themselves or

their pet or struggling with their pets’ health or behaviour because they are frightened about having to give up their much-loved companion. READ MORE: West Lothian butcher's link

sausage crowned best in south-east Scotland “We can already see that our community services are better for animal welfare and better for local communities. Expanding our community services,

reaching more animals and people than ever, is also the best use of our supporters’ money – every penny we receive is donated by the public. "We are pleased to be bringing more of these

services into communities this year to help keep more pets and people together where they belong.” For those who want to help struggling pet owners and their companions, donations can be

made at: www.scottishspca.org Article continues below A list of Pet Aid donation points can also be found at: www.scottishspca.org/what-we-do/pet-aid and information about the Community Hubs

at: www.scottishspca.org/what-we-do/pet-aid-community-hubs DON'T MISS THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WEST LOTHIAN COURIER. SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER HERE.