A Scots couple have been banned from keeping animals for life after their two extremely underweight dogs were found with no food or water in a kitchen smeared in faeces and urine.
The Rottweilers were ravenous when Scottish SPCA inspectors came to their rescue in June last year, desperately trying to find anything that looked like food. Health checks found both pooches had fighting wounds on their ears and head.
George Todd, 71, and Mary Walton, 62, pled guilty to failing to provide an adequate diet and veterinary care to their four-year-old Rottweiler, Beau, and two-year-old Rottweiler, Nala, at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on January 17.
The pair, from Methil in Fife, previously had warnings over their treatment of animals a number of years ago. In a statement, the SSPCA told of their relief that the couple will not be able to cause "further harm" to animals after the investigation ended with a conviction.
Inspector Robyn Gray said: “The Scottish SPCA has previously removed animals from Todd and Walton’s care in 2017, and the couple were given a Procurator Fiscals warning.
“We attended the locus in June 2022 after receiving a report of dog neglect to our animal helpline. When we entered the property both dogs were in the kitchen, and when let out, they immediately began rummaging and licking anything that resembled a bowl.
“Nala was very lean in appearance and was very guarded in her behaviour. She bared her teeth to us and her owner.
“Beau was extremely thin. His ribs, hips and shoulder bones were protruding and his skull was distinctive through his skin indicating muscle loss.
“When taken into the kitchen there was nowhere comfortable for the dogs to lie, no water available, and faeces and urine were smeared around the floor. A large carving knife lay on the ground.
“Due to the dogs’ aggressive behaviours we needed to wait for them to calm down, and then were able to remove them from the property and take them for a veterinary examination."
Todd and Walton confirmed with inspectors in June that neither dog were currently receiving veterinary care. Further checks revealed the extent of mistreatment.
“Beau was found to be extremely underweight and had muscle sores on his pelvis from lying on hard surfaces," Roby continued. "He also had healing wounds consistent with fighting on his ears and head.
“Nala was also found to be underweight and her behaviour made her difficult to examine as she was extremely guarded. She too had healing wounds on her head consistent with fighting.
“When offered food both dogs ate greedily, but they needed to be kept apart as both showed aggression when in close proximity. It was confirmed both dogs were caused unnecessary suffering due to lack of an adequate diet and veterinary care, which could have been prevented.
“We’re pleased that Mary Walton and George Todd received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals.
“The couple previously received a fiscal warning in 2017, and we are glad that this outcome will prevent further harm to animals in their care.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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