A BADLY neglected dog found dumped in a tied-up pillow case at Whitesands may have been there for days.

The dog, which is thought to be a terrier-type, was in such poor condition when it was discovered that it had to be put to sleep by a vet.

The Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation into the death of the dog, which was found barely alive on Tuesday afternoon at the beauty spot, near Dunbar.

Birdwatcher Colin Davison discovered the dog tied up in a purple pillowcase which had been knotted at the top.

He told the Courier: “I could hear a faint yelping coming from a pillowcase and when I cut it open discovered the dog.

“The grass around was flattened for three or four dog lengths where it must have been moving around, suggesting it had been there for some time, possibly a few days.

“It is just a sickening thing to do. I couldn’t believe it, the dog seemed elderly but it was hard to tell given its condition. I don’t know how anyone could do such a thing.”

Mr Davison, from Old Craighall, contacted the police, who sent two officers to the scene.

The dog was immediately taken to Links Veterinary Group in Haddington, but they were unable to save it.

A spokesperson at the vets said: “Sadly the dog had to be put to sleep and the case is now with the SSPCA.”

It is understood the dog had been neglected for some time before being dumped in the pillowcase at the beauty spot.

The shocking discovery comes a year after another dog was tied up and left to drown at the former Cockenzie Power Station.

READ MORE: Appeal for help identifying dog left to drown

Fishermen discovered the body of the dog, which had been tied up on a ledge at low tide and abandoned.

The SSPCA appealed for anyone with information about the dog found at Whitesands to contact them, saying their investigation was at an early stage.

Inspector Stephanie McCrossan said: “Call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”