Pup found with suspected burn marks

Feb 6 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Irvine Herald

A TINY pup was found dumped with suspected burn marks on her body in Ardrossan last week.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) received a report of a three-month-old Staffordshire cross tied up near a footpath to the ruins of Ardrossan Castle last Tuesday, January 27, about midday.

A member of the public had found the pup.

An SSPCA inspector rescued the dog and took her to a vet who examined the wounds and reported that they may have been caused by burning.

The puppy, who has been named Tia, is now being cared for at the charity’s rescue and re-homing centre in Mainholm Holdings, Ayr.

The SSPCA is appealing for information about the pup.

Marion Hainey, shelter manager, said, “Tia is a lovely wee girl, a real sweetheart. Despite her ordeal she adores attention from people, even if she is more timid than most pups her age.

“We can only imagine what she has been through and we would be keen to trace who did this to her.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence which can result in up to six months in prison, a £5000 fine or both.

Anyone with information about Tia should phone the SSPCA’s helpline on 03000 999999.