Puppy found 'hanging from tree'

Animal welfare inspectors are appealing for information after a puppy's body was found in a supermarket carrier bag hanging from a tree.

Investigators for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believe the young cross-collie dog had starved to death.

The discovery was made by a passer-by next to a road between Alloa and Tullibody.

An SSPCA spokeswoman said the puppy may have been an unwanted Christmas gift.

Vets said the animal was probably three to four months old.

The SSPCA has branded the incident a "heartless act" and emphasised that help is available for anyone no longer able to cope with, or look after, a pet.

There is no excuse for the way this pup has died and been heartlessly dumped Steven Gray SSPCA

Inspector Steven Gray said: "The puppy was found in a tree by a passer-by, who called us.

"We estimate that he had probably been dumped some time late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, 6 March.

"It is possible that whoever discarded the wee dog tried to throw the bag into nearby bushes and it got caught on the tree branches.

"A post-mortem was unable to establish an exact cause of death but the most likely reason would appear to be starvation, as he was extremely thin."

Inspector Gray appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "Someone must know who owned him - perhaps a neighbour or friend has noticed that someone who had a puppy no longer has one around.

"He had quite obvious markings - he was black with a white chest, and a white diamond pattern on his forehead and neck.

"There is no excuse for the way this pup has died and been heartlessly dumped."