Kudzai Mukahadzi, of Bathgate, also kept another dog inside a bare cage.
At Livingston Sheriff Court, he was handed a five-year ban from owning dogs, a Community Payback Order and ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work after being convicted of failing to provide necessary veterinary treatment, an adequate diet and a suitable living environment for his two dogs.
In March 2024, Mukahadzi contacted the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline seeking to rehome the two dogs named Shadow and Bruno.
Scottish SPCA Inspectors attended the property in West Lothian and were shown into the living room where the two dogs were being kept. The room had a foul smell, which the Inspector described as resembling rotten flesh.
Tied to a radiator in the room was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross named Shadow. Mukahadzi was asked to untie the dog and, once released, she immediately approached the Inspectors. They observed a large wound on her neck where her collar had become embedded in the skin.
When questioned about the wound on Shadow’s neck, Mukahadzi became defensive and stated that he had called a veterinary practice but could not afford treatment and had not sought treatment.
Mukahadzi then showed the Inspectors his other dog Bruno, a male American Bulldog. Bruno was being kept in a cage covered by a sheet. When the sheet was removed, he was observed inside a bare cage containing only a plastic tray liner with no bedding.
Failed to meet their basic welfare standards
After expressing their serious concerns about the welfare of both Shadow and Bruno, the Inspectors informed Mukahadzi that the dogs would be removed from the property. They were transported to a veterinary surgeon, who determined that both dogs were in poor physical condition, that Shadow required treatment for a large wound, and that Mukahadzi had failed to meet their basic welfare needs.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “Mukahadzi failed to provide even the most basic standards of care for Shadow and Bruno. He also failed to seek the necessary veterinary treatment for a significant wound on Shadow’s neck, which had been caused by her being tethered to a radiator with an ill-fitting collar.
“Both dogs were clearly suffering, and I am extremely relieved that we were able to remove them from those conditions. No animal should have to endure such neglect, and thankfully, Shadow and Bruno were able to receive the care and treatment they desperately needed.”
Help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare
The Scottish SPCA’s call for a National Animal Offenders Register is one of the four main asks of its recently published manifesto. Delivering on these will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare and is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending. In turn, this is essential to help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place for an animal to call home. Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
To report a concern of cruelty, visit our Contact Us webpage.
