Shock as a senior dog and two cats were left bald and starved to death by a cruel couple

Three animals were found suffering from their owners’ neglect after a property was raided by animal welfare officers.

Sadly, the pets were kept in such heartbreaking conditions that two of them had to be put to sleep.

Bald, hurt and infested with fleas

The Scottish SPCA officers raided a property in Brechin, Scotland after a concerned member of the public called the charity's helpline. They suspected animal abuse in the house.

On arrival, they found a 17-year-old male border collie cross dog, Ben, who had almost no hair and whose spine and ribs were clearly showing. He had a cut on his leg where his bone was visible and was infested with fleas.

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 SSPCA inspector, Karen Cooper, said:

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

Vets couldn’t save them

Ben, Ruff and Tumble were examined by a vet surgeon who concluded that all of the animals had been subjected to unnecessary suffering.

The pooch was found to be severely emaciated, with a heavy flea infestation. The resulting itching had caused multiple lesions throughout his skin and an open wound on his left hind leg, through which the femur could be seen. He also had extremely overgrown nails, with some having grown into his pads.

Tumble was also ridden with fleas. He was also found to have a bladder condition which prevented him from urinating properly.

Ruff was in a slightly better condition than Ben and Tumble. After receiving antibiotics and steroid injections, he was transferred to one of the animal rescue and rehoming centres for further care and attention. Unfortunately, he was later found to have a cancerous tumour.

Heartbreakingly, both Ben and Tumble were euthanized to prevent further suffering.

Sentenced and banned from owning pets

The cruel owners 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.

Cooper commented that the SSPCA were pleased with a sentence, given the severity of neglect that Ben, Ruff and Tumble experienced.

She said:

Their sheer disregard for the welfare of their animals was shocking.

Sources used:

- Daily Record: 'Cruel Scots couple left elderly bald dog to starve and neglected two cats'