We are appealing for information about an incident which occurred outside JD Sports, Palace Tower, Hamilton on 17 November between 9am and 9.30am.

Members of the public witnessed a man punching and strangling his dog when the animal tried to follow him in to the store.

Scottish SPCA Inspector, Robyn Myszor said, “This was a very distressing incident and members of the public who witnessed it were understandably upset.

“The owner of the dog is described as being male, heavy set and around 50 years of age. The man was wearing a khaki coloured parka jacket and jogging bottoms.

“The dog was a young, brindle greyhound-type dog which we believe may be called Rebel. We are unsure whether the dog is male or female.

“The man tied the dog up outside the JD Sports store but the animal managed to get free and attempted to follow him in to the shop.

“He was then witnessed grabbing the dog by the collar and dragging them back to where they had been tied, lifting the animal so high that their front legs were off the ground.

“Witnesses say he then punched the dog in the side and wrapped the lead around the animal’s neck as if attempting to strangle the dog.

“At this point, a member of the public approached the man to speak to him about his treatment of the dog but he left the area.

“This is a completely unacceptable way to treat any animal and we’re keen to trace this dog to check on their welfare and identify the owner.

“If anyone has any information they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”