Dog euthanised after bones in paws ‘obliterated’ by overgrown nails

A dog owner has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after his pet had to be put down due to neglect.

A call was made to the Scottish SPCA in December 2024, reporting concerns for a dog owned by Luke Larcombe in Springburn, Glasgow.

An inspector went for an initial visit and was told by Larcombe that he did not own a dog.

However, a further interaction took place following another report to the SSCA.

Eventually, Larcombe explained to an inspector that Tiko had very overgrown nails and that he potentially had gangrene.

When Inspector Cannon from the Scottish SPCA arrived, he found Tiko barking within a closed cupboard in the hall.

The dog’s nails were curled under his paws, and his feet appeared swollen, misshapen and dirty.

The bones in Tiko’s paws were “obliterated” by extremely overgrown nails that curled into his paw pads, creating a severe infection, pain and difficulty walking.

He also had an infected neck wound suspected to be from a bite.

Larcombe failed to take Tiko to the vet, despite his visible discomfort.

Tiko's toenails curled into his paws — Tiko’s toenails curled into his paws Scottish SPCA

The inspector also noticed a puddle of urine on the kitchen floor, suggesting Tiko was forced to go to the toilet within the property.

Due to concerns for his welfare, Tiko was removed from the property and taken to a nearby vet practice.

A vet concluded that he had been suffering for at least five months.

The tissue and bones in his paws were ulcerated and necrotic, making bearing any weight on them very painful.

He was taken to the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Glasgow.

Following an examination by a vet at the charity, to prevent any further suffering and due to his welfare being severely compromised, Tiko was euthanised.

Inspector Cannon said: “Tiko was suffering unnecessarily for a prolonged period of time with severely painful feet and a neck wound, that looked consistent with a bite mark that had become infected.

“I wish Larcombe had sought some help with the situation, as Tiko’s suffering was obvious, and it was clear how much he was struggling with his walking, and he must have been in so much pain.

“I am glad that we have managed to seek some justice for Tiko.”

Larcombe, from Glasgow, was handed a ten-year ban from owning or keeping any animals.

He’s also been given a Community Payback Order with two years supervision and a three-month restriction of movement order at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, August 3.