A 36 YEAR old Benarty man and 34 year old woman, who failed to provide veterinary treatment for two pets, have been given a three year ban on holding dogs, and a five week restriction of liberty order and 60 hour community payback order.

Alastair Jackson, 36, and Susanne Iliff, 34, both of Inchgall Avenue, Crosshill were sentenced at Dunfermline Sheriff Court last week.

Jackson pled guilty to section 19 of the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 for failing to provide the required and necessary veterinary attention and treatment for Zak, a ten year old male German Shepherd cross with a severe skin condition. He was sentenced to a three year ban on holding dogs and a five week restriction of liberty order.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Sarah Gregory said: “Upon veterinary examination, Zak was given a body condition score of 3-4/9. His ribs could be easily felt, and were visible, as well as his spine and hip bones.

“Zak had significant areas of fur loss over his body. The exposed skin grossly thickened and hyperpigmented with a greasy feel and yeasty smell.

“His nails were overgrown and there was an obvious flea infestation, with fleas visibly walking over his skin.

“Failure to seek veterinary care, and implement a suitable parasitic treatment regime has caused Zac unnecessary suffering and distress.”

Iliff pled guilty to section 19 of the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 for failing to provide veterinary treatment for Pheonix, a one year old Springer Spaniel, as recommended by a veterinary surgeon for a chronic skin condition and ear infection. She was sentenced to a three year ban on holding dogs and a 60 hour community payback order.

Inspector Gregory continued: “Pheonix had a recent history of being treated for a diffuse skin irritation and bilateral ear inflammation, but those responsible for her had failed to follow veterinary advice regarding further treatment for these conditions.

“Upon veterinary examination, Pheonix appeared to have thinning fur with bald spots, along with a narrowing of each ear canal and a watery brown discharge.

“Failure to provide immediate and appropriate therapy to relieve these symptoms has allowed Pheonix to suffer unnecessarily.

“Zak and Pheonix were taken to one of our centres and received the care and attention they deserved. Zak has already found his new forever home and Phoenix will be looking for her forever home now as a result of this court case.”

“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.”