A Cambuslang man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs in his care.
Mohammed Kashif Khan appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 19th September, where he was found guilty of failing to meet the basic welfare needs of two female Dogue de Bordeaux dogs. He received a five-year disqualification order on owning animals and a £500 fine.
The court heard that Khan failed to provide a proper diet, veterinary treatment for severe emaciation, or care for dehydration, leading to significant and prolonged suffering.
The dogs, named Zeera and Snookum, both five years old, were first discovered in 2019 in a kennel full of faeces in the back garden of a Cambuslang property. The owners were advised on keeping the area clean. In 2022 during another visit, there was no food or water available for the dogs. Both were visibly emaciated with bones protruding under their fur.
Scottish SPCA inspectors responded after a call from a concerned member of the public to the charity’s animal helpline.
A Scottish SPCA inspector said:
“When we arrived at the property, we found Zeera and Snookum housed in unacceptable conditions. Zeera managed to stand and approach us, but Snookum was so weak she struggled to get to her feet. It was immediately clear both dogs required urgent veterinary attention.
“Due to their poor condition, we had to carry them to our vehicle. Veterinary examination confirmed both were extremely underweight and dehydrated. Snookum’s condition was critical—she was severely malnourished, hypothermic and stumbling from weakness.”
Snookum’s condition was deemed beyond recovery and she was humanely euthanised to prevent further suffering.
Zeera was taken into the care of a Scottish SPCA rescue and rehoming centre, where she received veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
The inspector added:
“This case is a heartbreaking example of unnecessarily prolonged and completely avoidable neglect. No animal should be left to suffer in this way. We are grateful to the member of the public who raised the alarm, it undoubtedly spared further suffering.”
The Scottish SPCA is reminding the public that anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal can contact its confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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