Aberdeen dog owner banned after border collie so underfed her 'bones were visible'

A man has been banned from owning dogs for three years after starving his border collie so badly that her bones stuck out.

Paul Kerr, 44, failed to provide a suitable and nutritional diet for his dog, Molly, and didn’t seek veterinary advice.

The animal was found in poor condition at Kerr’s home in Clifton Road, Aberdeen, following a call of concern from a member of the public.

Molly was found to be “emaciated” by Scottish SPCA inspectors, who were able to feel her ribs and spine by running a hand along her body.

Kerr was handed a three-year ban on keeping dogs, and issued with a £135 fine at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on August 26.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Fiona McKenzie, said, “On September 17, 2019, we received a call from a concerned member of the public about a dog at an address on Clifton Road that was not being fed properly.

“Paul Kerr was known to the Scottish SPCA as we had attended the property in January 2017 following a similar complaint. At the time, Molly was found to be underweight and her ribs and spine were visible.

“An animal welfare notice was issued and Kerr was advised to take Molly to his local PDSA veterinary practice for regular weight checks and feeding advice. Kerr complied with the notice and when we last saw Molly in July 2017 she was in good body condition.

“After a few attempts to contact Kerr, we finally gained entry to the property on 20 September 2019. On seeing Molly, it was visibly evident that she was emaciated. Molly’s bones were visible and could be easily felt by running a hand along the dog. She appeared bright otherwise.

“Paul Kerr was asked if he had taken Molly to the vet recently and he said his PDSA registration was out of date and needed to be renewed. He claimed Molly was fed three to four feeds a day consisting of wet and dry food but that she often had diarrhoea.

“Molly was immediately removed from the property due to concerns for her welfare and taken to a vets to be examined. Blood tests were carried out but no underlying medical cause could be found for her weight loss.

“Molly was taken in to the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres, and when I examined her six days later she had already gained 1.3kg in weight and her coat was glossy. She had no vomiting or diarrhoea.

“Molly continued to gain weight with no issues while in our care. She received no specialist treatment other than being fed a diet which was easily digestible.

“It was extremely disappointing to find Molly in such poor condition again. From the previous experience Kerr should have known and recognised Molly’s weight loss and ensured she received an adequate diet to prevent her suffering.

“It’s incredibly concerning that Kerr had not learned from the first investigation in that he allowed it to happen again and for Molly to get in even worse condition than the first time.

“We are pleased that Paul Kerr has been banned from keeping dogs for three years.

“However, at one point, Molly’s weight was 15.85kg after our first intervention in 2017. To allow her to lose 5kg and not recognise a problem or show concern is deeply worrying and we would have liked him to have received a longer ban.

“We hope Kerr will seriously consider his ability to look after any animal in the future.”