A Stirling man has been jailed for neglecting his dog following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

John Robertson (58), of Gateside Road, appeared at the city’s Sheriff Court alongside Bernadette Ross (35), also of Gateside Road, last Wednesday (5 November).

Robertson was jailed for 15 weeks and both were given a life ban on owning, keeping and dealing with all animals.

Ross was also given a 110-hour Community Payback Order, to be completed within nine months.

Robertson pled guilty to failing to provide adequate nutrition and water for over three months for a 13-year-old collie-cross named Gizmo. He also pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary attention for Gizmo.

Ross admitted failing to provide adequate nutrition for over three months for a female collie-cross named Tess.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, SSPCA inspector Louise Seddon said: “While I was responding to a report received about other animals owned by Robertson and Ross, I was aware they had dogs and was determined to see them.

“When I entered the house I was immediately concerned for Gizmo. Although he had a thick fur coat, he was like a skeleton and I could see most of the bones in his body.

“He didn’t even register that I was in the room and couldn’t lift his head. I thought he was dying.

“There was an overpowering smell around Gizmo and dirt and staining on his coat. It appeared he had been unable to get up and had toileted where he lay for a number of days, if not longer.

“When I questioned Robertson about his dog’s condition, he told me Gizmo had cancer and that Ross had taken him to a local vets. I immediately phoned the vets to check this, however, they had no record of it.

“After establishing Gizmo hadn’t been taken to any vets, I rushed him to one who assessed him as being half his ideal body weight. The vet stated that had he been left untreated, he would have died within a couple of days.

“The vet confirmed that Tess was underweight and had been caused suffering.

“Gizmo’s weight increased by 4.8kg within two weeks and he was eating and drinking well in our care. However, tragically, his health suddenly deteriorated and the vet advised the only option was to put him to sleep.

“The post-mortem confirmed that Gizmo had no underlying disease and it was purely a lack of food and water that had caused his emaciated body condition.

“We welcome the custodial sentence given to Robertson, which sends out a strong message that animal neglect is a serious offence. I am glad both have received life bans and particularly pleased this includes all animals rather than just dogs as I would have serious concerns with regard to any animals in their care.

“Thankfully, we can now find Tess a new home where she will be loved and cared for.” If you believe an animal is being neglected, call the SSPCA’s helpline on 03000 999 999.