A man has been banned from owning animals for five years after he severely neglected his cocker spaniel.
Mark Burnett, 38, was sentenced at Elgin Sheriff Court, having previously pled guilty to causing his pet unnecessary suffering by failing to provide her with veterinary care.
An inspector from the Scottish SPCA visited the property in July 2011 and found the spaniel, named Jenny, in an extremely poor condition. She was immediately taken into the charity’s care.
Senior Inspector Lesly Crockett said: “We are pleased Burnett has admitted this offence and that, as a result of our investigation, Jenny will not be returned to him.
“Poor Jenny was in a dreadful state when we found her. She was unable to stand still, as she was infested with fleas and suffering from a severe skin condition.
“She was almost completely blind and the skin around her eyes was crusted and raw due to an infection, which the vet said had been present for some time.
“Jenny also had chronic ulcers in both ear canals as a result of an ear infection, which she had been suffering from for at least four weeks.”
Jenny is on the mend after her stay at the SSPCA’s centre.
“After receiving lengthy treatment at our animal rescue and rehoming centre in Inverness, Jenny has made an incredible recovery.
“Unfortunately, she has very little sight now but she is an absolutely great girl, with such a sweet nature.”
Jenny now has a new owner after being taken home by a member of staff from the centre.
