Dog put to sleep after owner neglected animal who had given birth to pups

Neglect: Tramp was put to sleep following advice from vets.SSPCA

A dog owner who neglected his pet so badly she had to be put down was fined £300 despite a charity recommending a ban on keeping animals.

Peter Dow, 33, of Manor Walk, Aberdeen, had previously admitted failing to provide the necessary veterinary treatment for his four-year-old female Staffordshire bull terrier, named Tramp.

Dow was fined at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday.

On visiting Dow's property in September 2011, a Scottish SPCA inspector found Tramp, who had recently given birth to puppies, in extremely poor condition.

Tramp was immediately taken to a vet where blood tests confirmed she was suffering from liver failure and anaemia. She was also underweight, with her bones protruding and clearly visible.

Tramp's condition was judged to be so serious that the vet's advice was to end any further suffering by putting her to sleep.

Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector John Carle said: "This was a severe case of neglect and there is no doubt Tramp suffered for a prolonged period of time as a result of Dow's ignorance.

"Following our investigation Dow has been convicted of causing an animal unnecessary suffering and now has a criminal record.

"We had recommended that a ban on keeping animals would be appropriate in this case, which is an option open to the courts under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

"It is disappointing that no ban has been given as, in our opinion, Dow has demonstrated he is unfit to ensure the welfare of any animal."

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