POLICE in the Forth Valley are appealing for information after a pork pie with a Stanley knife blade inside was found in a garden.

Officers are working with the Scottish SPCA after the item was found in a garden in Stirling where a puppy lives.

The incident has alarmed authorities who claim the item must have been thrown in and is being considered a “deliberate” attempt to hurt or kill an animal.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity, which is headquartered in Fishcross, was alerted to the incident after the homeowner discovered the dangerous item on September 13.

Scottish SPCA inspector Robyn Gray said: “The house is on Grierson Crescent in the Cambusbarron area.

“This is very concerning as a 14-month-old German shepherd lives at the property.

“The owner of the dog is understandably very worried. The pie was found in the middle of the garden so it was most likely thrown in.

“If the dog had ingested the pie, it could have caused serious harm, or even death.

“We are concerned this was a deliberate attempt to harm or kill an animal and this is a criminal offence.

“We would urge everyone in the area to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101.”