Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Ban for man who neglected dogs
IAN BUNTING
A heartless Airdrie man who badly neglected two dogs has been given a five-year ban on owning dogs following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
Andrew William McPherson admitted he failed to provide a nutritionally adequate diet or veterinary treatment for Zara, a seven-year-old female German Shepherd, and Bobo, a 16-year-old male crossbreed, resulting in the dogs’welfare being seriously impacted and causing unnecessary suffering.
McPherson, 39, of Harris Place, who was also fined £200, pled guilty under Section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Scottish SPCA inspector Emma Sergeant said: “We are pleased McPherson has been handed a ban for this level of neglect.
“He has been known to the Scottish SPCA since 2018. We tried on several occasions to provide him with guidance and advice on how to care for his animals.
“After some improvement in the condition of Zara and Bobo following our initial intervention, we were frustrated and disappointed to see the deterioration in the dogs when we attended the address in September last year.
“The living conditions were dirty and cluttered, with piles of litter on the floor and household items stacked in other rooms, making them inaccessible.
“The dogs were severely underweight with both their hip bones and ribs visible. Their nails were also very overgrown, which would have caused a lot of discomfort.
“During our visit, some dog food was accidentally spilled on the floor and the dogs were so hungry they began to fight each other for the food.”
Emma added:“On veterinary examination, it was established that the dogs had no underlying medical conditions and they easily put on weight while in our care. It would have taken months for the dogs to get into the condition they did. This did not happen overnight.
“McPherson clearly did not learn from past advice and intervention. Ultimately his two dogs were caused unnecessary suffering as a result.
“Providing an animal with a basic level of nutrition to stay healthy should not be a difficult task. We hope this sentence makes McPherson consider his ability to look after any animal in the future.
“Both Zara and Bobo went from strength to strength in our care and were successfully rehomed. They will now receive the love and attention they deserve for the rest of their lives.
“If anyone suspects an animal has been neglected or abandoned, call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”