Forres woman handed ten-year ban after dog was found emaciated and severely matted in faeces-covered flat

A pet owner from Forres has been handed a ten-year ban and unpaid work after leaving her dog covered in faeces and urine.

Nancy, a cockapoo, was found to be underweight and severely matted when discovered within Rebecca Ferguson’s home back in March.

The animal welfare charity was contacted by police after they attended the flat with concerns for the owner.

On arrival, police were told that there was allegedly a dog within the property and after searching, they found a black female Cockapoo was shut within the spare room.

The room was covered almost entirely with faeces and there was a very strong smell of urine.

There was no food within the property, and a bowl of water had mould on top.

Nancy’s coat was extremely matted with faeces, and she appeared severely malnourished, with sores on her rear legs.

It was agreed that the Scottish SPCA would take over the investigation, with an inspector advising police that Nancy would require veterinary treatment and would need to come into the charity’s care to ensure her welfare.

Nancy was found to be extremely matted and severely underweight. Scottish SPCA

Officers seized Nancy and transported her to Elgin Police Station, where she was then collected by the Scottish SPCA.

An inspector was taken aback by Nancy’s condition, describing her as a “bag of bones”.

The vet concluded the dog had been suffering for months, with fur so long her eyes could not be distinguished, extremely long nails, scalded skin from the faeces and urine and fleas all over her.

Ferguson released Nancy into the care of the Scottish SPCA and within three weeks, she had gained almost five kilograms.

The inspector said: “Nancy was one of the thinnest dogs I have seen in my 18 years with the Scottish SPCA. Her emaciated condition and heavily matted coat were immediately apparent, and I was extremely saddened by the extent of her suffering.

“A responsible owner should never allow an animal’s condition to deteriorate to this extent and should seek help if they are struggling to provide appropriate care.

“I am relieved Nancy was rescued and given a second chance. She is now thriving in her new home.”

Ferguson was given a ten-year ban from owning dogs and handed 120 hours of unpair work.