Man fined after neglecting dog so badly it had faeces in its fur and had to be put down

A man has been fined after his pet dog was put down after being left with eye infections due to neglect of his fur.

The Scottish SPCA visited William McIlroy’s home in February 2025 after receiving calls that a dog had been left neglected and that there was a strong smell at the property.

Odin was immediately observed to be suffering from extreme matting of his coat and was seized and taken to a vet.

It was concluded that Odin had suffered unnecessarily over an approximate period of two to three years, and at least seven separate faecal deposits on the area around his anus were immediately noticed.

After four people took 45 minutes to to remove his matted fur – which weighed 1.7kg – it was found he had conjunctivitis in both eyes, a build-up of waxy material in both his ears, overgrown nails, urine scalding and mild dental disease.

Treatment at the Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre was continued, but his condition did not improve.

Odin was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

Odin's coat weighed 1.7kg — Odin’s coat weighed 1.7kg Scottish SPCA via Supplied

McIlroy said that he had been unable to groom the dog because he was allegedly vicious.

He was banned from owning animals for five years and fined £670.

Inspector Cannon said: “This was a case of gross neglect and Odin was clearly in a lot of pain and discomfort. The decision was made to humanely euthanise him due to the severity of his dry eye condition and so as to prevent any further suffering.

“McIlroy showed no remorse for his dog’s condition. We are glad that we have got justice for him.”