Samara Morecroft and Ryan Hogg received the sentences at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
Morecroft was also given a community payback order and will have to carry out 65 hours of unpaid work, while Hogg was fined £740.
Morecroft pled guilty to causing suffering to one-year-old, Cane Corso, Bronson by failing to adequately feed them and to seek veterinary attention for their poor body condition.
Hogg was found guilty of causing suffering to eight-year-old German Shepherd, Saphire, and one-and-a-half-year old, Glen, after failing to adequately feed them and to seek veterinary care for their body condition.
The Scottish SPCA attended the couple’s residence on 13th December 2023 after a report of concern for the welfare of the dogs was made to the society’s helpline.
One of the worst cases of neglect
A Scottish SPCA inspector said: “Bronson, Saphire and Glen’s spine, ribs and hips were clearly visible. Glen also had a matted coat.
“It was one of the worst cases of neglect I have seen in years.”
It was then decided it was in the best interest of all the dogs to be removed from the property and taken for immediate veterinary care.
The vet found Bronson and Saphire were all emaciated while Glen was severely underweight, caused by an inadequate provision of food over a period of several weeks or possibly longer. Bronson was also suffering entropion in his eyes.
Following veterinary examination, all dogs were transported to the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh Animal Rehoming and Rehabilitation Centre for further care and attention.
Sends a strong message that animal neglect will not be tolerated
While Bronson received entropion treatment, one of his eyes had to be surgically removed. All dogs are now in good health after rehabilitation with the Scottish SPCA, and have been rehomed into loving homes.
The Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “We welcome the court’s decision and hope it sends a strong message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland. No animal should be inflicted such pain.”
During the Scottish SPCA investigation, Morecroft also received a £500 fine and was handed a five-year ban on owning and keeping dogs for a previous animal neglect case.
Why a National Animal Offenders register is urgently needed
A Scottish SPCA Inspector added: “This case is evidence of why a National Animal Offenders register is urgently needed. Repeat offenders should not slip through the cracks. A register will prevent dogs like Bronson from falling into the hands of people who have previously shown they are incapable of appropriately caring for an animal”.
The Scottish SPCA is calling for the creation of a National Animal Offenders Register that’s connected to current intelligence systems so enforcement agencies can monitor bans, track repeat offenders, and identify links early between animal abuse and other crimes.
Read the society’s full manifesto.
To report any act of cruelty, visit our Contact Us page.
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