A man who starved his dogs to the point where one could barely stand on its feet has been slapped with a three-year ban.
One of David Luke Hill's dogs was found so malnourished at his Dundee flat that its legs would sink when it attempted to rise on all fours.
The 32-year-old pleaded guilty for failing to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary care for his animals at Dundee Sheriff Court on February 22.
Alongside a three-year ban of owning any animals, the cruel dog owner was handed 180 hours of community payback following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
The animal welfare charity's officers were alerted to the two underweight canines - Staffordshire bull terrier Kaiser, aged eight, and German shepherd Chaos, aged two - by a concerned member of the public.
After attending Hill's address, they found the two dogs severely underweight.
Animal welfare chiefs said it would have taken months for the dogs to reach the terrible condition.
Robert Baldie, said "On 28 April 2020 we attended an address after receiving a call to our helpline from a member of the public who was concerned about underweight dogs at the property.
"Hill was advised of the reason for the Scottish SPCA's visit and was asked to if he could bring the dog to the door.
"He returned carrying an eight-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier named Kaiser which appeared seriously underweight.
"Hill was asked to place the dog on the ground in the front garden and Kaiser was so emaciated he could barely stay on his feet.
"The dog tried to eat something lying in the garden and Hill pushed him away telling him to stop.
"Kaiser then fell over onto his side and could not get back to his feet without the aid of Hill.
"We then asked to see his other dog, a two-year-old German shepherd named Chaos.
"He was brought to the door and was also seriously underweight but was bright and alert.
"Hill agreed to sign Kaiser over in to the care of the Scottish SPCA but claimed that Chaos belonged to a friend, although he had been in his care for some time.
"We were extremely concerned for the welfare of both dogs, and immediately removed them to be transported for a veterinary examination.
"At the examination, both dogs were extremely emaciated and shook when standing still.
"After a few seconds of standing Kaiser's hind legs would start to sink.
"He was dehydrated and was admitted for intravenous fluid therapy to correct this.
"Chaos stood with his back arched as he had insufficient muscle to support himself normally.
"The vet could find no underlying medical cause for his weight loss.
"The only treatment required was a proper diet.
"Kaiser and Chaos would have taken months to reach this condition and Hill seemed to be aware that the dogs were clearly in poor condition.
"By feeding a good basic diet he could have easily alleviated the suffering caused to both dogs.
"With the correct feeding regime, there has been a marked improvement in both the dogs' condition.
"We are pleased Hill has pled guilty and received this sentence.
"The ban will ensure no other animals will suffer like Kaiser and Chaos did, although we would have liked the ban to be for a longer period of time."
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