Cruel Scots couple left elderly bald dog to starve and neglected two cats

16.01.2023 - 17:41 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A cruel Scots couple have been banned from owning animals for a decade after they subjected a dog and two cats to extreme neglect.

John and Cynthia Sewart of Chapelton of Menmuir, Brechin, pled guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to their animals at Forfar Sheriff Court on January 12.

The pair starved a 17-year-old Border Collie cross dog called Ben, and failed to see veterinary treatment for the animal. He was almost bald, had a cut on his leg where his bone was visible and was infested with fleas.

Two cats, Ruff and Tumble, both 7, were also found at the property and had painful skin, hair loss and serious health conditions.

The couple were handed a 10-year ban on keeping, owning and taking charge of any animals. They have also been given an 18-month supervision order and sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.

SSPCA officers raided the property on February 22, 2022, after a concerned member of the public called the animal charity's helpline.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Karen Cooper, said: "On arrival we found a 17-year-old male border collie cross dog, Ben, who had almost no hair and whose spine and ribs were clearly showing. Two cats, both aged seven years old and named Ruff and Tumble, were also at the property. The males were both suffering from sore and irritated skin and had significant hair loss.

“The extremely poor condition of the animals resulted in them being immediately removed from the property out of concern for their welfare.

“Ben, Ruff and Tumble were then examined by a veterinary surgeon who concluded that all of the animals had been caused unnecessary suffering.

“Ben was found to be severely emaciated with a heavy flea infestation. The resulting itching had caused multiple lesions