AN AIRDRIE couple have been given a have been given a five year ban for abuse of their pet dog which had to be put to sleep.

The 41-year-old man and 48-year-old woman failed to provide veterinary treatment for a pre-existing skin complaint for their dog have both been given a ban on owning or keeping animals and ordered to pay a £300 compensation order to the Scottish SPCA following an investigation.

James and Jacqueline McGrory, of Oronsay Road, Airdrie were sentenced at Airdrie Sheriff Court on October 17.

Glasgow Times:

Both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering under section 19 Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Heather Lawson said: “The charge was dealt as James and Jacqueline failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment for a pre-existing skin complaint, for their dog, Penny, which ultimately led to complications in its health and the omission of pain relief for its clearly debilitating condition.

“Upon veterinary examination, Penny, an 11 year old collie cross dog, was found to have a large area of alopecia covering her entire back and sides, the skin was covered in multiple sores with some weeping pus. She had open sores on her elbows and a small skin mass at her left elbow.

Glasgow Times:

"During the examination she was in obvious discomfort when the skin was touched over her body. Penny was weighed and was classified as grossly obese, with extremely overgrown nails.

“After consideration and examination, it was sadly concluded that Penny had such an established skin condition, with such advanced secondary changes that any chance of a recovery was negligible and she was sadly put to sleep.

“We welcome the fact that this case has been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down. This level of neglect didn’t happen overnight and could have been easily avoided.

"We hope James and Jacqueline will give serious consideration about their suitability to care for other animals in the future.”