THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a dog was left tied up near Cockenzie Power Station.

The charity was alerted at about 7pm last Friday evening after the Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed was discovered tied to a fence at the rear of the power station.

The tan-coloured female is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno, where she has been named Jessie.

Inspector Emma Phillips said: “Jessie was barking a lot when I came to collect her and was clearly in distress. We’re unsure how long she was there.

“She was undoubtedly very scared but once I managed to calm her down and gain her trust she was very friendly.

“It’s likely she was abandoned as it’s a very unusual place to leave a dog tied up and we’re appealing to anyone with information to get in contact with us.

“The person who did this couldn't have been sure that whoever found Jessie would help her. We’ll look after Jessie until we can find her a loving new home.” Anyone with information about Jessie is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.