THE SCOTTISH SPCA stated it was “dissatisfied” that a male who left his dog home alone for 4 days without food or water was just fined £400.
Michael Stobbs, 35, now of Segal House, Segal Location, Dunfermline, was sentenced at Dunfermline Constable Court recently after confessing leaving his Akita cross, Samson, ignored in an unhygienic and dangerous environment at his previous home in Lumphinnans.
After reacting to calls from neighbours, the SSPCA discovered the dog had actually been secured a cooking area for 4 days with faeces on the flooring, it had “persistent” eye and ear infections, scratchy skin and was plainly underweight with “his ribs and hips quickly seen from a range”.
SSPCA inspector, Nicola Liddell, stated: “We are dissatisfied that Stobbs just got a £400 fine on this event as we do not feel this shows the suffering triggered to Samson.
“We hope he will be more diligent in future about making sure any animal he owns gets the suitable care and veterinary treatment they need.”
Stobbs confessed that in between January 10 and February 10, 2021, at his then home in Hilton View, Lumphinnans, he triggered his dog unneeded suffering by stopping working to supply it with food and water.
Along with the £400 fine, he needed to pay a £20 additional charge.
The animal well-being charity had actually asked that he be prohibited from owning animals however this was declined by the constable.
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The SSPCA went to Stobbs’ home after calls to their helpline about a dog that had actually been left alone in the property for a variety of days.
Inspector Liddell stated: “Stobbs easily confessed to having actually left Samson ignored for 4 days, blaming the climate condition for avoiding him from tending to his dog.
“Samson was secured the kitchen area and the door was protected shut with a screwdriver jammed into the door surround which Stobbs utilized a hammer to eliminate.
“Samson was extremely friendly in nature and was thrilled to see us.
“He was certainly underweight with his ribs and hips quickly seen from a range. His skin was extremely scratchy and contaminated over his back with visible loss of hair.
“Both eyes were dripping a yellow discharge and both inner ears appeared tender and contaminated.
“Samson’s claws were likewise extremely thick and were starting to displace the positioning of his toes.”
She continued: “The kitchen area was scattered with litter and dangerous products such as flatware, potato peelings, old food containers, cans and mouldy milk containers.
“There were faeces on the flooring and up the kitchen area systems.
“There were no dog bowls, simply empty plastic food containers.”
The dog was “so thirsty and starving” and rapidly completed the food and water offered to him.
He was required to the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre for care and treatment.
A veterinarian discovered no hidden health issue that might describe Samson’s low body weight which throughout an ear assessment the dog “growled in discomfort”.
Inspector Liddell included: “The persistent eye infections will likewise have actually triggered him significant pain and inflammation for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks however likely a lot longer.
“In spite of many efforts to call Stobbs to set up an interview, we got no action nor has he called us to examine how Samson is doing.”
She stated the dog reacted well to medication for his skin, eyes and ears, and likewise put on weight.
Anybody who is worried about an animal can call the SSPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.
