Dog 'left starving and drinking out of algae-covered bowl' as Wishaw man fined after Scottish SPCA probe

A man has been handed a two-year ban on owning dogs and a £450 fine for failing to provide an adequate diet or veterinary treatment for his dog.

Scottish SPCA inspectors were called to a property on Muirhouse Avenue in Newmains, Wishaw on August 14, 2020 after a complaint was made to the charity’s helpline.

A Staffordshire bull terrier cross English bull terrier type dog, named Bruiser, was found at the property in “extremely poor body condition”.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector, Heather Lawson, said: “All his ribs, spine and hip bones were prominent. He had a hunched posture and a very quiet demeanour.”

Inspectors found a large bowl of water on the floor, which was coloured green with algae.

Bruiser’s owner, 31-year-old Allan Graham told inspectors that “the dog drank an excessive amount of water and to save him having to refill it he provided a larger bowl”.

Ms Lawson added: “He admitted that Bruiser was underweight and claimed he had been trying to feed him up by giving him pasta in addition to his normal dog food.

“Due to concerns for Bruiser’s welfare we removed him from the property and took him to a veterinary surgeon for examination.

“Bruiser was found to weigh 13.8kg with loss of muscle mass, especially over his hindquarters. The harness he was wearing was too big, suggesting he had lost a significant amount of weight since it was fitted. The normal weight for a dog of his breed would be between 18kg and 20kg.

“Bruiser’s coat was also in poor condition with a foul smell and quantity of dandruff.

“No clinical reason could be found for his weight loss and it was determined it was most likely due to a poor diet rather than an underlying medical condition.

“Bruiser soon regained weight in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres on a normal diet of commercially available dog food.”

Graham was taken to Hamilton Sheriff Court and pled guilty on August 2.

He was handed a two-year ban on owning dogs and a £450 fine for failing to provide an adequate diet or veterinary treatment.

Ms Lawson said: “We’re pleased Graham received a ban as, although he seemed to be aware that Bruiser was clearly in poor condition, he did nothing to resolve the situation.

“Bruiser’s suffering could easily have been alleviated through providing him with the correct nutrition.

“If anyone has concerns about the welfare of an animal they should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”