THE SSPCA say that the neglect of a young dog by a Ballingry man could easily have been avoided.

A 55 year old Benarty man who failed to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary treatment to his Whippet dog, named Jo-Jo, was given a £400 fine following an Scottish SPCA investigation.

Robert Blackwood, 55, of Martin Crescent, Ballingry was sentenced at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on 15 August.

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

Commenting on the investigation and Court case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Sarah Gregory said: “This charge was dealt as Blackwood failed to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary treatment to Jo-Jo, a male Whippet, who, upon vet examination was scored with a body condition score of 1/9 with ribs and pelvic bones easily evident from a distance.

"He weighed 8.15kg, which is just over half of what he should have, and had nearly no body fat.

“Jo-Jo was taken to one of our centres where he received weight monitoring, care and an appropriate diet".

Sarah added: "To date he continues to improve and is bright, alert and happy to interact with the staff. Once Jo-Jo has fully recovered we will find him a loving forever home.

“I’m happy the courts have dealt with this case, however, it further highlights our push for tougher and more consistent sentencing. This level of neglect didn’t happen overnight and could have easily been avoided.”