Man jailed for neglect of two dogs found in Aberdeen flat soiled with faeces and urine

A man has been jailed over the neglect of his two dogs found in a property soiled with faeces and urine.

Kalith Cameron was sentenced to six months in prison at Aberdeen Sheriff Court for causing the unnecessary suffering to a six-year-old American bulldog, Diesel, and a nine-month-old Bull type dog named Gucci.

The SSPCA were called to Cameron’s home in Aberdeen on May 8 last year after receiving a report to its animal helpline about an abandoned dog whose owner had been detained.

An inspector removed both dogs, with Diesel found to have an infected ear, resulting in an open wound, and in poor body condition.

Both dogs had been confined to a flat without enough space to exhibit normal behaviours. Their nails were overgrown, and the property was soiled with faeces and urine.

The Scottish SPCA inspector said: “The floor of the hallway was almost entirely covered in faeces. Upon entering the living room, more faeces and urine were present.

Diesel after being taken into SSPCA care SSPCA

“The sofas were damaged, and all the furniture appeared to have been soiled by the dogs.”

Gucci was taken to the Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeen Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. Diesel was initially released to the care of a co-owner, on the condition that he was brought for urgent veterinary treatment the following morning.

Upon examination, Diesel was found to have a body condition score of just 2/9, indicating that he had no discernible body fat, and his spine, ribs, and other bony prominences were highly visible.

A vet confirmed he had been in pain from his ear wound for around two weeks, and his poor body condition indicated a lack of nutrition for an even longer period.

The inspector added: “I was disgusted at the conditions within the property and the lack of suitable provisions made for the dogs, particularly as the owner had previously been advised that these conditions were unacceptable.

“Returning a dog with an open wound to such an unsanitary environment only exacerbated his suffering.”

Following veterinary treatment, which the Scottish SPCA oversaw, Diesel has made a full recovery.

As well as a prison sentence, Cameron was also disqualified from owning, holding, keeping, or looking after any animal for a period of three years.

Kalith Cameron left his dog in a flat covered in faeces and urine SSPCA

The animal welfare charity said it is “pleased” with the court’s decision, adding that the case “is a step in the right direction in highlighting the risks of neglecting animal welfare”.

The Scottish SPCA is calling for a national animal offenders register to be built into existing intelligence systems to support monitoring of individuals convicted of animal cruelty – particularly those banned from owning animals – and flag repeat offenders.

If anyone is concerned about an animal’s welfare, they are encouraged to call the charity’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.