Fife man’s animal ban after neglecting dog

A dog owner who admitted neglecting his pet has been disqualified from keeping any animal for five years.

Gordon Davey (30), of Sherbrooke Road, Rosyth, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that between 1st June and 31st August last year at his then home in Islay Road, Dunfermline, being a person responsible for a dog, he caused it unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate care and attention for the animal which was suffering from skin infections, ear infections and over-grown nails.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said, “The dog involved is called Ozzy. It’s a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull terrier type dog.”

She said animal welfare officers attended the accused’s address regarding reports of dog neglect. They were met by the accused’s partner who let them in.

The dog was found to have scabs and his underside was bald due to a skin condition.

The dog was reluctant to stand up even with the encouragement of treats because of the condition of its paws.

The animal was removed and taken to a vet’s where it was examined and it was felt the suffering had been unnecessary. However, the prognosis for recovery was good, added the depute.

When questioned about the dog, Davey said he tried using baby oil on its skin condition.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said at the time of the incident Davey had been living with his partner and their seven children.

“He was unable to work after injuring his hand and was not earning money. They were aware the dog had a skin condition and tried washing it with Johnson’s Baby Oil which didn’t work,” he continued.

“He had no funds to take it to the vet. He is remorseful he didn’t make inquiries about other agencies who would have been able to help.

“He had the dog since it was a pup and is very remorseful for how far things got. He took his eye off the ball.”

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a community payback order with 180 hours of unpaid work and banned Davey from keeping any animal for five years.