Owner of Arbroath dog found with autoimmune disorder receives ban after Scottish SPCA probe

The owner of a dog who was found with infected, open wounds and skin missing from his scrotum has received a ban for not providing adequate care.

Scottish SPCA officers were alerted to concern for an injured dog in Arbroath on October 22, 2020.

A Belgian shepherd, called Mac, was taken to a nearby vet for examination and treatment before being moved to a rehoming and rescue centre for further care.

Further examination revealed that the nine-year-old pup had wounds down his legs and around his scrotum, where the top layer of skin was completely missing.

The wound was very tender and the dog was unwilling to let anyone near it. All of the wounds were also found to be infected, weeping discharge, and had become matted into the fur around them.

A pungent smell was also coming off of Mac, and he was extremely sore because of his wounds.

Further investigation revealed that he had an autoimmune condition in which his body was attacking his own skin, and had likely been building for months if not years.

“His condition was potentially treatable and leaving his condition untreated led to Mac being caused unnecessary suffering for a prolonged period of time,” said Scottish SPCA inspector, Karen Cooper.

His owner, Jason Louis McAndrew, from Marketgate, Arbroath, eventually signed Mac into the care of the animal welfare charity on October 26, 2020.

Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries, Mac was put to sleep.

Following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA, McAndrew, 45, was handed a two-year ban on keeping animals and a £150 fine at Forfar Sheriff Court on August 4.

Inspector Cooper said: “We would have hoped to have seen a lengthier ban as McAndrew was responsible for the welfare of Mac and sadly his needs were not met.

“We understand that veterinary treatment can be expensive, but ignoring Mac’s condition was not the way to handle the situation and caused him an unnecessary amount of suffering.”

Anyone concerned for an animal can phone the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline at 03000 999 999.