A TWO year-old female Shih Tzu with a tumour had to be put to sleep by a vet after being found abandoned in woods.

The Scottish SPCA is urgently appealing for information after the little dog as discovered in a wooded area in Motherwell.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by a member of public who discovered the animal.

Inspector Jack Marshall said, “The poor dog was around two years old and had a large mammary tumour, dry eye and extremely matted fur.

“She was not microchipped which since 2016 has been a legal requirement for all dogs.

“Unfortunately due to her condition the decision was made by a vet that the kindest thing for her was to put her to sleep.

“At this stage we are appealing for information but can’t rule out that she may have been abandoned.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.