A dog recently found abandoned on train tracks in Ardrossan was looking forward to a forever home for the New Year – until an unexpected pregnancy threw a spanner in the works.

The Herald reported in December that the Scottish SPCA was alerted four-year-old Minnie, a lurcher, was found running near the tracks on Princes Street.

Minnie settled into the charity kennels and at the end of last year, a potential new owner had shown interest. But during her final vet check-up, it was discovered that she was pregnant.

Now Minnie has to remain in the kennels until after her pups are fully weaned, which could be as long as four months from now.

Scottish SPCA Ayr Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Manager Marion Hainey said: "She must have been very early-on when she came in.

"She was coming on leaps and bounds too, doing really well and someone was interested in her. Now she can’t go anywhere, which is a real sin."

Contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.