A ROSYTH dog owner who admitted neglecting his pet has been banned from keeping any animal for five years.

Gordon Davey, 30, of Sherbrooke Road, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that between June 1 and August 31 last year at his then home in Islay Road, Dunfermline, being a person responsible for a dog, he caused it unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate care and attention for the animal, which was suffering from skin infections, ear infections and overgrown nails.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “The dog involved is called Ozzy. It’s a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull terrier-type dog.”

She said animal welfare officers attended the accused’s address regarding reports of dog neglect. They were met by the accused’s partner, who let them in.

The dog was found to have scabs and his underside was bald due to a skin condition. It was reluctant to stand up even with the encouragement of treats because of the condition of its paws.

The animal was removed and taken to a vet's where it was examined and it was felt the suffering had been unnecessary. However, the prognosis for recovery was good, added the depute.

When questioned about the dog, Davey said he tried using baby oil on its skin condition.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said at the time of the incident, Davey had been living with his partner and their seven children.

“He was unable to work after injuring his hand and was not earning money. They were aware the dog had a skin condition and tried washing it with Johnson’s Baby Oil which didn’t work,” he continued.

“He had no funds to take it to the vet. He is remorseful he didn’t make enquiries about other agencies who would have been able to help.

“He had the dog since it was a pup and is very remorseful for how far things got. He took his eye off the ball.”

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a community payback order with 180 hours of unpaid work and banned Davey from keeping any animal for five years.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Nicola Liddell said: “Upon entering the property, it was immediately apparent that Ozzy – a black and white Staffordshire bull terrier – was in a very poor neglected state.

“He was suffering from a chronic skin condition affecting his body, limbs, and face. His coat and skin was covered in scabs resulting in hair loss to his paws and underside, with weeping pustules and scabs on the exposed skin.

“Both ears had internal scabs and thick discharge around his ear canals.

“Ozzy’s claws were grossly overgrown, curving round towards his pads and he was very reluctant to stand even with encouragement and treats.

“Further veterinary examination confirmed that Ozzy had been suffering for a consdierable length of time, with it estimated that the claw growth would have taken at least nine months.

“We are delighted that Davey has been dealt with by the courts and hope he will give serious consideration to his ability to care for animals in the future.”