Pet owner jailed after starving dog found in filthy home

A man has been jailed for the neglect of his dog who was found malnourished and living in a filthy home.

Steven Goddard, 29, has been sentenced to 40 days’ imprisonment and disqualified from owning a dog for eight years following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

He failed to provide an adequate diet or veterinary care for his three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier.

When Rocco was examined he was found to be underweight, dehydrated and with overgrown claws which would have caused him considerable discomfort.

Goddard, of Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on January 20.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stuart Murray said: “We received a report from a concerned member of the public who heard sounds from the address which made them believe a dog was being hit.

“On gaining entry to the property there was an immediate smell.

“The interior was dark and the floor was covered in piles of faeces, pools of urine and general rubbish.

“Rocco appeared to be in emaciated condition.

“He was dehydrated, his coat smelt badly, and he had a dejected demeanour.

“Rocco’s claws were approximately half an inch overgrown suggesting a lack of care or exercise.

“Once we took Rocco outside we had to immediately provide him with water as he was so thirsty he was trying to drink from puddles in the street.

“Rocco would have taken at least seven days to reach the emaciated condition he was in, but in reality, would most likely have taken much longer.

“This would have caused him a huge amount of distress and suffering, which would have been largely rectified simply by offering basic care.

“Rocco was taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres but sadly he developed a suspected neurological issue which affected his mobility.

“Despite medication the issues worsened and sadly the difficult decision was made to put him to sleep on veterinary advice.

“We’re pleased with the outcome of the case and glad it includes a custodial sentence.

“We’re also relieved that Goddard will be disqualified from owning a dog for eight years and we hope he seriously considers whether he has the ability to look after any animal in future.”