A dog has been found dead in Shotts after what the Scottish SPCA believe was a "deliberate" attack to break its neck.

They sharing a harrowing image of the long-haired chihuahua of the dog, which was found at around 8pm on October 5. 

The adorable dog was found passed away on Harthill Road in the North Lanarkshire town.

The animal charity are now appealing for any information to try and find those responsible for the dog's death.

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Inspector Dawn Robertson said: “The person who alerted us to the dog found him on a back road. He was still dry and rigor mortis had not yet set in.

“The post-mortem results showed that the cause of death was severe trauma to the neck region which caused the neck to break.

“This suggests this was a deliberate act.

“He was in poor body condition and had fleas. He was not neutered or microchipped.

“We would like to determine the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.

"It is a criminal offence to harm or kill an animal and we are keen to find the person responsible."

Anyone with information is urged to call the Scottish SPCA's confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.