Dog survives after being shot 60 times with pellet gun

Charity rescues lurcher and discovers he is riddled with bullet wounds

Ashton the lurcher, who was found with more than 60 wounds from a pellet gun in North Lanarkshire (PA)

A dog was found with more than 60 wounds from a pellet gun in North Lanarkshire.

The dog was discovered by a local dog warden on August 19 in Newhouse, and taken to the Scottish SPCA rescue centre in Lanarkshire.

The lurcher, who has been named Ashton by the charity, was very fearful of anyone approaching him, and was especially protective of his head and neck area.

Vets had to sedate him to check him over and discovered he had been shot a number of times.

Claire Aiton, rescue centre assistant manager, said: "The dog warden had quite an ordeal trying to catch Ashton as he was so nervous.

"When he first arrived he was terrified and showing visible signs of distress.

"We were astonished to find pellet wounds all over his body and tail when he was x-rayed.

"Once the pellets had been removed and Ashton had recovered from the operation, his temperament changed quickly.

"He was no longer aggressive and we suspect he was reacting negatively due to the pain he was in.

"Our team has dedicated time to coaxing Ashton out of his shell and although he is still nervous, he has come on leaps and bounds.

"He lets us put a lead on him and he enjoys going out for walks.

"He's even letting us cuddle and clap him.

"We would like to find out what happened to Ashton.

"It might be that he wandered too close to farm animals and a farmer has shot him.

"It is lawful for farmers to be able to do this to protect their animals."

She said Ashton is not currently available for rehoming as he requires some rehabilitation first.

If anyone can provide further information on how Ashton came to be injured they can contact the Scottish SPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Press Association