SSPCAA couple from Shetland who neglected their dogs so badly that their hair became so matted their mobility was impaired have been given unpaid work.
Peter and Helen Doyle were also handed a two-year ban on owning and keeping animals after being convicted at Lerwick Sheriff Court.
Inspectors for the Scottish SPCA responded to concerns regarding the couple’s cockapoos, Poppy and Henry, in November last year.
When an animal inspector visited, Poppy and Henry were found to have severely matted fur, with Poppy’s whole body in a “terrible state” and one mat covering her left eye completely.
SSPCAPoppy was described as rubbing herself on the floor and against the inspector as if she were uncomfortable.
It was decided that the dogs were to be taken for a veterinary examination, during which the vet concluded that the dogs’ welfare had been seriously compromised.
It was found that it would have taken several months for the dogs’ coats to reach such conditions.
To remove the mats from Poppy’s fur, the vet spent over an hour and collected over 1.5kg of matted hair.
The skin beneath her eye was found to be wet and stained brown with filth. Henry was also shaved.
Both dogs were taken into the care of the SSPCA for their welfare and transported to the charity’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Inverness for further care and treatment.
Both have since found new homes.
The charity’s inspector said: “Peter and Helen Doyle could see how poor a condition both Poppy and Henry were in and still did not seek help.
“It would have taken a considerable amount of time for them to get to this state, and it is evident by how matted their coats both were that no effort was made to prevent or resolve their suffering.
“Any responsible owner should research the breed they are considering taking on and consider whether they can meet its needs.
“Cockapoos require to be brushed several times a week and receive regular grooming approximately every six to eight weeks.
“In Poppy and Henry’s case, they did not even receive the bare minimum of care. I am glad that we have sought justice for them.”
As well as a ban on owning animals for two years, Mr Doyle was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work while Mrs Doyle received 80.
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