A Blantyre man has been handed a £1000 fine and three-year ban from owning, keeping and taking charge of animals following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
Out of work DJ John Campbell, of Auchintibber Court, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment and a nutritionally adequate diet for his crossbreed dog, Rambo, claiming he had no money for vet bills.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Rambo had lost almost half of his body weight when he was put to sleep at an animal hospital in January.
The emaciated creature had suffered liver failure.
A friend raised the alarm after Campbell asked him to look after the dog when he started a new job.
He reported that Rambo was "skin and bones".
Scottish SPCA inspector, Sian Robertson, said: "On January 18, 2021, we received a call to our animal helpline about a dog who was ‘skin and bones’ with his rib, spine and hip bones protruding.
"When Rambo was examined at the veterinary hospital he was found to be in a horrific state, and given a body condition score of one. This is the lowest possible score meaning he was extremely emaciated.
"Sadly, due to the extent of his malnutrition and Campbell’s failure to seek veterinary attention Rambo was put to sleep on veterinary advice.
"I could not believe the condition Rambo was in. He is the most emaciated dog I have seen so far in my career and he undoubtedly suffered.
"Campbell completely failed his dog, and caused him an unnecessary amount of suffering over a prolonged period of time."
Campbell, 45, told an SSPCA inspector that Rambo had "stopped eating" six or seven months previously.
Defence lawyer Lucy McKenna said Rambo was a rescue dog that Campbell had looked after for four years.
She told the court: "He's a self-employed taxi driver and DJ.
"During lockdown he was unable to work and built up significant rent arrears.
"Rambo was refusing to eat and my client was acutely aware it was his responsibility to seek help for him.
"But he was extremely anxious that he would be unable to afford vet fees.
"He has had dogs for most of his life and the last two lived to age 17 and 15.
"He expresses regret, remorse and sorrow for what happened to Rambo."
Sheriff Mungo Bovey reduced the fine from £1500 to £1000 because of Campbell's guilty plea, but told him: "This was conduct beneath contempt."
Scottish SPCA inspector, Sian Robertson, added: "We’re pleased that Campbell has received a fine and three-year ban, but it is disappointing that he did not receive a life time ban for this level of neglect.
"We hope he seriously considers his ability to care for any animals in the future.
"If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
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