A Fife Westie dog had to be placed on a drip after ingesting rat poison that was hidden in chunks of meat in a park popular with dog walkers.
On January 4, white Westie Abbi was in Greenwell Park in Glenrothes when she came across the meat with a harmful substance concealed in it - and swallowed it.
Alerted to the incident, the Scottish SPCA started an investigation and issued an appeal for information, also urging dog owners to be vigilant, the Daily Record reports.
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The Westie's faeces soon turned black in colour, a common sign of poisoning, sparking alarm with her owner.
Thankfully, Abbi's owner acted quickly and immediately rushed her to the vets at the first sign that something was wrong. She was placed on a drip, and although she is now home, she still requires medication.
The disturbing incident has shocked the Scottish SPCA, who have now launched an investigation into the event to figure out how the meat came to be contaminated and planted in the popular walking spot.
The charity is asking for anyone with any information to come forward and is urging dog owners in the area to be vigilant, adding that the situation could have had a fatal ending if it weren't for the intervention of Abbi's owner.
Robyn Gray, the Scottish SPCA inspector, said: "We are very concerned about the circumstances surrounding how Abbi came to be poisoned.
"This is a very serious incident which, had her owner not acted with such speed, could have had a very different outcome.
"Using poison, or any dangerous item, with the intent of deliberately harming animals, is a crime and is enforceable by law.
"If your pet shows any signs that they may have been poisoned, take them to the vet immediately.
"If anyone has any information about this case or that toxic substances are being deliberately used against animals, then we would urge them to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
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