A cruel couple have been found guilty of animal neglect and handed a fine and supervision order - but many animal lovers believe it isn't enough.
Welfare officers hoped the pair would have been banned from caring for animals, after letting two dogs suffer.
Brian Smith, 39, and Patricia O'Donnell, 34, let golden Labrador Luna starve to the point she was just "skin and bones".
Smith received a 12-month supervision order and 75 hours unpaid work, after pleading guilty to failing to provide a nutritionally adequate diet for Luna.
O'Donnell received a £250 fine after pleading guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to her elderly dog Millie, who sadly had to be put down by rescuers.
Thankfully, Luna has since made a full recovery and has been rehomed with a loving family.
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Scottish SPCA chief inspector, John Chisholm, said: "We attended the property in April 2021 following complaints to our animal helpline of dog neglect.
"The reports described a Labrador cross type dog at the property who was extremely underweight and would often cower away.
"The dog was described by one caller as 'skin and bone' with their back end protruding.
"O'Donnell explained that her Labrador cross, Luna, was a Romanian rescue and they were working hard to get her to a healthy weight.
"Upon seeing Luna we were immediately concerned as she was severely emaciated, with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding.
"O'Donnell claimed that Luna had been seen by a vet and they had been given dietary advice. However, she could not recall any information regarding this. She also changed her story around this multiple times."
Concern grew for Luna's welfare and O'Donnell was cautioned. She admitted to owning one other dog, Millie.
"Millie was scruffy in appearance and had areas of matted and tangled fur to her underside and around her ears," Chisholm said.
"O'Donnell became increasingly agitated and angry that her animals were being taken for veterinary care.
"Upon veterinary examination it was found that Luna would have been caused an unnecessary amount of suffering due to her poor body condition, and appropriate medical attention not being sought.
"Millie's body condition was found to be less than ideal, and she was found to be suffering from a bilateral ear disease and dental issues."
After inspection of Millie's ears, veterinary professionals found they were "full of tumours" which "undoubtedly caused suffering".
They advised her prognosis for recovery was poor, but she could be made comfortable with medication for the time being.
In the first seven days at an SPCA animal rescue centre, Luna gained 2kg in weight.
Chisolm added: "It is extremely disappointing that considering the amount of suffering that was caused to Millie and Luna, a harsher sentencing was not given.
"O'Donnell and Smith have clearly shown that they were not able to provide their animals with the care they needed, and we would have hoped this to be reflected in a ban on owning or keeping animals."
If you have animal welfare concerns, you can contact the SPCA confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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