FEB. 4, 2015 UPDATE: Kai has been adopted.
One of the most heartbreaking dog photos of 2015 so far is of the Shar Pei mix abandoned at a Scotland train station, with a suitcase full of his belongings by his side.
“The dog is microchipped and we were able to find out his name is Kai,” said inspector Stewart Taylor of the Scottish SPCA on its website.
The owner said he had sold Kai on an online site in 2013, and could not provide information about the person who bought him. “This case highlights the potential consequences of selling an animal online, as it often leads to the impulse buying of pets that people know very little about,” Taylor said.
Kai was found Jan. 2 with his leash tied to a railing outside the Ayr train station in South Ayrshire. The suitcase next to him contained a pillow, toy, food bowl and food.
“Regardless of the fact Kai was left with his belongings, this was still a cruel incident and we are keen to identify the person responsible,” Taylor said. Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or for life.
Less than a day after Kai’s photo was posted on the Scottish SPCA’s Facebook page and subsequently went viral, nearly $4,000 in donations were raised on a crowdfunding page.
“The donation page was originally started so people could help pay for the operation Kai needs on his eyes,” senior animal care assistant Alan Grant told the Daily Record. “Any additional funds will be used to help care for the many sick, injured and abandoned animals at our rescue centers across the country.”
The shelter has received more than 100 requests to adopt Kai, from people around the world.
“Kai is around 2 to 3 years old and is a lovely dog with a nice nature,” Taylor said. “We will look after him until we can find him a permanent and loving home.”
Anyone with information about Kai’s owner is asked to call the Animal Helpline at 03000 999 999.
Photo via Scottish SPCA