A family pet owner who disregarded his bearded dragon so severely that a veterinarian needed to put it down has actually been handed a year-long animal restriction.
The terrible condition of Coco was just found when his owner Gary Ross got jailed and his own mum found the passing away lizard in his Dufftown home.
Coco’s eyes were stuck shut, he was very thin and dehydrated, had actually suffered muscle loss and was having a hard time to consume, Elgin Sheriff Court was informed.
A veterinarian, who believed Coco was already dead when he was generated, put the dates of his overlook in between December 22 2021 and January 22 in 2015.
Ross, 34, was prohibited from keeping family pets for one year – a duration the SSPCA says is not long enough.
Fiscal depute Victoria Silver informed the court Ross’ mum gotten in touch with the SSPCA after she went to look at the family pet at the Balvenie Street address.
“She advised them that the bearded dragon needed veterinary care as it couldn’t open its eyes and wouldn’t eat unless food was placed directly into its mouth.”
The charity’s chief inspector Alison Simpson got in touch with a veterinary cosmetic surgeon about Coco and was informed to attempt positioning him in warm water to help bring his body temperature level up.
“It was identified he was in extremely poor condition and extremely thin,” Ms Silver included.
“Initially, on being presented with it, the surgeon thought it was dead. It was later euthanised on welfare grounds.”
Ross confessed triggering a safeguarded animal unneeded suffering and acting in a threatening or violent way towards SSPCA staff.
‘Sad end to involvement with animal’
Defence representative Iain Maltman said both background reports and a psychiatric report had actually been performed on his customer and highlighted a mental illness and problems triggered by head injury.
“It appears he is living a quieter life than previously and keeps himself to himself,” the lawyer said.
“It’s a sad end to his involvement with the animal. He does look after another animal at home which his mum bought him last summer.”
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood informed the lawyer: “Your customer puts all the blame on the truth he remained in custody for a number of days however it’s rather clear from Crown and the SSPCA he was accountable for the animal when it entered into this state.
“From the terms of the report, it would appear his new animal is not being cared for particularly well either.”
Animal charity expected longer restriction
He prohibited Ross, now of Dean Terrace, Lossiemouth, from keeping animals for one year and bought him to perform 90 hours of unsettled work.
Speaking after the sentencing, SSPCA chief inspector Alison Simpson said: “We’re happy that Gary Ross got a restriction however we’re dissatisfied that it wasn’t for a longer amount of time offered the overlook Coco suffered.
“We hope that Ross seriously considers his capability to take care of any animal in future.
“If anyone has concerns about an animal they should call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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[Bearded dragon put down after owner neglected it for a month]
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