A cruel dog owner from Fife has been slapped with a fine after leaving his starving pet locked in a kitchen surrounded by faeces for days on end.
Michael Stobbs, 34, was busted when Scottish SPCA visited his home on February 10, 2021 following numerous calls to their helpline about his Akita cross, Samson, who was found to be living in appalling and unsanitary conditions.
The pooch was evidently underweight and investigators noted that his ribs and hips were protruding through his skin, which was itchy and infected. He had suffered noticeable hair loss and his eyes were leaking a yellow discharge.
Samson's inner ears also appeared tender and infected, and his claws were so overgrown that they were beginning to displace the alignment of his toes.
The kitchen that he was bolted into was strewn with litter and hazardous items such as cutlery, potato peelings, old food containers, cans and mouldy milk cartons. There was also faeces on the floor and up the kitchen units.
There were no dog bowls, just empty plastic food containers. Inspector Nicola Liddell said: “We attended Mr Stobbs’ property in response to calls about a dog that had been left alone in the property for a number of days.
“On knocking hard at the door a muffled bark was heard indicating the dog was shut away in another room. Stobbs wasn’t home but returned to the property shortly after our arrival.
"Samson was very friendly in nature and was delighted to see us.
“Stobbs freely admitted to having left Samson unattended for four days, blaming the weather conditions for preventing him from tending to his dog.
“Samson was locked in the kitchen and the door was secured shut with a screwdriver jammed into the door surround which Stobbs used a hammer to remove.
"When given water, Samson drank thirstily. Stobbs also gave him a small amount of food which he ate ravenously. Even though he was so thirsty and hungry, Samson sat and waited until he was told to take it."
Nicola continued: “We took Samson to be examined by a vet who found no underlying health problems that could explain his low body weight.
“During his ear examination, Samson howled in pain. The chronic eye infections will also have caused him considerable discomfort and irritation for a minimum of three to four weeks but likely much longer.
“Samson was then taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres to receive the care and veterinary treatment he needed."
The shocking incident sparked a SSPCA investigation and on July 20, 2021 at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Stobbs pled guilty to one charge of leaving Akita unattended in an unsanitary and hazardous environment for four days.
He admitted to not having made provisions for Samson's welfare or providing adequate nutrition and water, and was found to have failed to seek veterinary treatment for Samson, too.
Stobbs was sentenced at the same court on 25 January 2022 where he was hit with a £400 fine plus a £20 victim surcharge. There was a request for disqualification but this was refused by the Sheriff.
The charity says they are disheartened by the outcome of the trial and feel the consequences for Stobbs should have been more severe, but hope that the disgraced owner will learn from his actions and take more care in future.
Nicola added: “Despite numerous attempts to contact Stobbs to arrange an interview, we received no response nor has he contacted us to check how Samson is doing.
“Thankfully, Samson responded well to medication for his skin, eyes and ears, and he also gained weight. No special or veterinary diets were necessary to improve his body condition.
“We are disappointed that Stobbs only received a £400 fine this occasion as we do not feel this reflects the suffering caused to Samson.
“We hope he will be more conscientious in future about ensuring any animal he owns receives the appropriate care and veterinary treatment they require.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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