SSPCAA man from Ayrshire has been handed a five-year ban from owning and keeping animals after starving his pet dog.
Steven Gardiner from Irvine appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last Tuesday and was admonished after he allowed the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to suffer and failed to seek veterinary attention for her emaciated condition.
A Scottish SPCA inspector attended Gardiner’s property in February last year after a call was made to the charity’s animal helpline.
Athena’s rib and hip bones were very prominent and she had some balding and red patches of skin which were visible against her white fur.
Gardiner confirmed that Athena was not receiving any veterinary care and she was removed from the property and taken to a local practice.
SSPCAThe vet noted that Athena was very thin and measured one out of nine on the Purina Body Condition scale.
They concluded that the reason for her being so thin was that she had not been fed enough over a period of weeks and, as a result, had been suffering.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier received further care and treatment at the charity’s Lanarkshire rescue centre and was successfully rehomed in March 2025.
SSPCAA Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “The accused failed to meet the nutritional needs of his dog and as a result, caused her unnecessary suffering.
“Athena was so thin when we got there but we are so glad that she has since been rehomed and has been given a second chance at happiness.
“We are happy that the accused has been handed a five-year ban on owning and keeping any animal.”
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