Ten year ban for cat neglect
A Duns man who left his cat unattended for a week has been banned from owning or looking after domestic animals for ten years following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
Desmond Scott, 55, formerly of Bowmont Street, Kelso, was sentenced at Duns Sheriff Court on Wednesday (26 September).
Scott pled guilty to causing his ginger and white male cat unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate nutrition, water and veterinary attention. He was also fined £108.
Senior Inspector Jenny Scott said, "We were alerted by a letting agent who found Scott's cat alone and in poor condition in his property in February.
"He was so weak he couldn't stand up without falling over and he was underweight, with his spine and hip bones clearly visible.
"There was no food or water available and he appeared very dehydrated.
"I immediately took him to a vet, where he was found to weigh just 3.3kg, when he should have been around 5kg.
"He was put on a drip to help him rehydrate but, sadly, he died through the night.
"This was a tragic outcome and we are pleased that Scott has received a ban on owning animals, as well as looking after them.
"In our opinion, Scott has demonstrated he is completely unfit to provide even the most basic care a pet requires."