The Courier has heard shocking claims that some dogs in Angus are being fed drugs by their owners.
Ian Robb from Angus Dog Rescue is now calling for a Government-led crackdown on owners who mistreat their pets after taking in a Staffordshire bull terrier that he is convinced was being given drugs.
The practice is often associated with fighting rings where owners make use of a variety of legal and illegal drugs, including anabolic steroids, to enhance muscle mass and increase aggression.
Narcotic drugs may also be used to increase the dogs’ aggression, increase reactivity and mask pain or fear during a fight.
Mr Robb said: ”This Staffie came in about three and a half months ago and there was something going on with him that was different when compared with the other dogs.
”He was banging off walls with his head and I had to take him home for his own protection.
”Anyone with any experience in dealing with dogs would make a quick assessment that there was something very wrong with his erratic behaviour.
”It took me about three weeks to bring him back to some sort of normality but he had to be kept in a lot of the time and eventually it came out of his system.”
He said he had heard of similar cases where dogs have been rescued from owners who have been leading ”chaotic lifestyles” and have had to be put down almost immediately.
The reputation of the Staffordshire bull terrier has been tarnished in recent years as a result of several high-profile court cases which have resulted in convictions for owners and death sentences for the dogs, but Mr Robb argues that it is certain owners who have caused the bad image, not the dogs.
”There’s not a bad puppy born it’s how they are reared,” he said.
The SSPCA said it had not been made aware of any substantiated reports of people giving their dog drugs but encouraged people with concerns to contact their staff.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said giving a dog drugs would be a criminal offence.
He continued: ”However, we are aware of instances where dogs have accidentally consumed illegal and prescription drugs, often with fatal consequences.
”Staffies tend to be gentle, affectionate and loyal and it’s a tragedy so many of these fantastic dogs are in kennels and usually have to wait longer than other breeds to find new homes.
”Irresponsible dog ownership is the key issue, with over-breeding leading to huge numbers of unwanted Staffies and far too many of the breed being owned by people who do not make sure their dogs are under control and well behaved in public.
”The only way we can tackle this enduring problem of irresponsible dog ownership is through education. We’ve already begun this process with children, visiting schools across Scotland with our free ‘Prevention through Education’ programme and teaching them about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.”