Aberdeen man jailed after leaving dog in 'unnecessary pain and distress'

A man from Aberdeen has been jailed after he left his dog in “unnecessary pain and distress”.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted to concerns for an underweight dog with an untreated flea infestation at a property in the north-east city in June 2025.

A Scottish SPCA inspector visited the property, where they were met by the owner, Craig Taylor.

The inspector found that a dog called Tank, a Shar Pei-mixed breed, had hair loss around his neck and legs and that his skin was irritated, inflamed and thickened around his neck.

The flat was sparsely furnished with a strong smell of smoke, and Tank had no bed.

Taylor told the inspector that he had not sought veterinary treatment for Tank’s skin and had instead used a flea shampoo.

Two appointments were made at the vets un Taylor’s behalf, both of which he failed to attend.

Tank was left with irritated skin. SSPCA

The inspector returned a month later to inform the owner that his dog could be signed over into the care of the Scottish SPCA if appropriate care for Tank wasn’t provided.

Taylor reacted in an aggressive manner, and his pet was removed from the property.

Tank was taken to a vet, where a buildup of wax and an obvious smell were found in his ears.

His skin was inflamed with multiple bright red scratch marks, most likely from self-trauma, on his neck. The vet estimated that Tank’s skin and ear disease had been present for around two to four weeks.

The Shar-Pei continued his recovery at the Scottish SPCA’s Highlands and Islands centre before being rehomed in October.

Taylor was sentenced to 28 days in prison and banned from owning or keeping animals for five years after pleading guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to causing his dog unnecessary suffering.

The Inspector said: “This was an awful case of neglect where the owner failed to seek urgent veterinary treatment for his dog, which resulted in his unnecessary pain and suffering.

“I am pleased that we have managed to get justice for Tank and that he is no longer in distress.”