A Scots woman has been fined and banned from owning animals after a dog was found to be emaciated and malnourished.
Leeann Baird of Kincardine, Fife, pled guilty to failing to provide adequate nutrition or veterinary treatment for seven-year-old Whippet Preston.
The 31-year-old was handed a £200 fine and one-year ban from owning animals following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
It followed reports they received about an emaciated whippet dog at the property from concerned a member of the public.
They visited the home on April 23, 2021, but when another person answered the door, they denied having any dogs at the time.
However Preston was found emaciated with a flaky coast and flaky skin and considerably overgrown nails.
The dog had not received any veterinary treatment and was seized from the property by the animal welfare charity officers.
He weighed a mere 10.7kg at the time and when he was taken to the vets by the Scottish SPCA for treatment, he ate hungrily.
It was estimated he had been caused unnecessary suffering for at least 28 days but most likely longer, through malnutrition.
Blood tests revealed there were no underlying health conditions that could have caused this.
Baird claimed she had considered seeking treatment for Preston but could not afford it.
Scottish SPCA inspector Mairi Wright said: “We are pleased that Baird was handed a £200 fine and ban.
“Baird was responsible for the welfare of Preston and sadly his needs were not met.
“We understand that veterinary costs can become a worry, but ignoring Preston’s condition was not the way to handle the situation and caused him an unnecessary amount of suffering.
“We are glad that Preston finally received the treatment he needed and is now in a loving home getting the care he deserves."
If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact the Scottish SPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
If anyone is struggling with veterinary costs, they can contact the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) for advice.
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