A DOG had to be put to sleep after she was found "seriously ill" last week. 

The Scottish SPCA are appealing for information after the Staffordshire bull terrier was found on Wednesday, January 12 in Coatbridge. 

The female white and tan dog was found as a stray by two members of the public and was handed into Coatbridge police station.

The dog was found to be in generally poor condition and had a mammary tumour that had ruptured and spread to her chest.

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She was not microchipped or wearing a collar when she was found. 

After veterinary advice, it was decided she should be put to sleep. 

The SSPCA are looking to speak to the two people who handed the dog into the police station. 

They were both male, with one between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in in height with a short beard, dark clothing and a beanie hat.

The other was around 6ft tall, well-built and wearing a grey jacket. 

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Scottish SPCA inspector Jack Marshall said: "The dog was a female white and tan Staffordshire bull terrier.

"Unfortunately she was not microchipped or wearing a collar when she was found.

"The dog was in generally poor condition and was also suffering from a huge mammary tumour, which had ruptured.

"On further investigation it was discovered the tumour had spread to her chest.

"On veterinary advice it was decided that the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep and end her suffering.

"We’d like to speak to the members of the public who handed her in so we can get some more information on the circumstances in which she was initially found.

"The two members of the public who handed her in are both male. One was between 5'7 and 5'8 in height with a short beard, dark clothing and beanie hat and the other was approximately 6ft, well-built and wearing a grey jacket

"We’re keen to find out how the dog came to be in this condition and why she was left alone when she was clearly unwell and in pain.

"While we appreciate veterinary treatment can be expensive, this is not the correct procedure to follow if you can no longer take care of an animal or afford medical treatment.

"If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."