Scottish SPCA issues CCTV appeal after man caught hitting dog outside Clydebank shop

The Scottish SPCA has issued an appeal to track down a man who was captured on CCTV beating a dog outside a shop in West Dunbartonshire.

The animal welfare charity wants to find the black and white collie to check on its wellbeing.

A member of the public witnessed the incident, which occurred in Clydebank's Montrose Street on 10 October.

The Scottish SPCA said the man tied the collie up outside the premises and then headed inside. He then immediately ran out and slapped the dog three times, causing the pet to "cower" and fall on its side.

When confronted by a passer-by, the man was said to have claimed the dog was chewing on its lead and this was the reason for hitting the animal.

The man then went back into the shop and when he returned outside the collie was said to be "visibly frightened".

Laura McIntyre, Scottish SPCA chief inspector, said: "We are keen to trace the gentleman captured in the CCTV and make sure the dog is okay.

"The dog he had with him is a black and white collie and appeared to be relatively young from the video footage."

The man is described as blonde, tall and lean, and in his early to mid-20s. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a navy-coloured hoodie.

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Ms McIntyre added: "From the enquiries we have already carried out, we believe he is local to the area.

"No animal should be subjected to physical violence and this is not the correct way to train any animal displaying unwanted behaviour."

If you recognise the man or have any information, call the Scottish SPCA's confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.