A man has been jailed for five months after being convicted of neglecting a dog by underfeeding the animal and keeping it in a filthy flat.

Michael Harris, 23, was also banned from keeping animals for five years when he appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Harris, of Drum Street, Kelty, Fife, was taken to court following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

He pled guilty to section 24 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 of failing to ensure the welfare of his dog Milo, a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Harris failed to provide sufficient food and water and a suitable environment to ensure the dog's well-being.

Scottish SPCA inspector Nicola Liddell said: "Milo was emaciated with his ribs clearly visible and an exaggerated waistline.

"He weighed just 14.1kg when a dog of his breed and stature should have been around 19kg.

"There was a lack of muscle or fat over his body, and some muscle wastage over his shoulders and head. The dog was so thin his bones were protruding through his coat."

Police officers had visited Harris' home before alerting the Scottish SPCA, who found Milo living in unfit and unhygienic conditions with debris piled up in every room.

"Upon entering this address, I was immediately hit by the overpowering smell of urine, faeces and rubbish," Ms Liddell said.

"I let Milo out of the cage where he had been secured for his safety so that I could examine him closer and he headed straight to the rubbish to scavenge for anything that was edible."

Milo is currently being cared for by the animal welfare charity.

Ms Liddell said: "We believe that anyone who cannot provide this basic level of care should not be in charge of an animal.

"We welcome the jail sentence and five-year ban given to Harris, and hope he will give serious consideration about his ability to care for any more pets in the future."