CONVICTED (2021) | Ryan Stewart, born c. 1990, of 21C Winifred Crescent, Kirkcaldy KY2 5SX – allowed his pet dog to become malnourished and to suffer a painful skin condition.

The Scottish SPCA attended the home of father-of-two Ryan Stewart after receiving an anonymous tip-off that he was neglecting his pet dog, a Staffy cross known as Sky. Stewart answered the door but refused to let the investigator see Sky. claiming she was “very excitable”.

The inspector described the odour emanating from the property as being an “overpowering smell of urine and faeces.”

At this point, Stewart began blocking the doorway to his flat.

He continued making excuses to deter the inspector until someone else in the property opened the door and let the dog out.

Sky, who was around seven years old, had bones visible and was “clearly emaciated.” The dog, which Stewart had kept since it was a puppy, also had extremely long nails.

The inspector raised concerns and vets later diagnosed the dog with dermatosis and alopecia.

Stewart admitted causing Sky unnecessary suffering in that he failed to provide adequate nutrition, care and treatment.

He also pled guilty to failing to obtain veterinary advice or treatment for the dog, who was suffering from health conditions including weight loss and skin conditions including hair loss.

Stewart’s defence solicitor Kerr Sneddon said Sky, now in the care of SSPCA, was severely underweight when she was rescued and has made a “remarkable” recovery.

He said: “The situation got too much for Mr Stewart.

“He could no longer bathe the dog and had issues giving the dog enough food.

“He should have contacted a vet. He should have got medicated shampoo.

“He knew exactly what they would find and it was embarrassing.”

Sentencing: 65 hours of unpaid work. A ONE-year ban on owning animals (expired August 2022).

The Courier