CONVICTED (2016) | Ryan Wallace, born 24/09/1983, formerly of Stewart Street, Barrhead and more recently Hillside Road in Neilston G78 3ER – starved and neglected a dog over six months

Lifelong loser Wallace, who lives on benefits with partner Claire Weir and their four children, caused unnecessary suffering to Diesel, who was found in an emaciated state by Scottish SPCA inspectors.

When the distressed animal was examined by vets, he had lost a quarter of his body weight.

Diesel had been consistently undernourished and the animal’s bones were “sticking out of its paws”.

The pooch also had no muscle or body fat and vets said his torso and tail was covered in sores, and he was so hungry it had been “eating its own faeces”.

Wallace pleaded guilty to causing the dog unnecessary suffering and also failing to provide adequate nourishment, allowing him to become almost emaciated.

The offences took place between June and December 2013.

Fiscal depute Franke Clarke told the court: “The accused contacted SSPCA about an unwanted dog. He clearly wanted it re-homed.

“Inspectors attended his home on more than one occasion.

“He said he was no longer able to care for the dog. It was dirtying the house and eating its own faeces.

“When the inspector asked to see the dog, she found its condition poorly and bad.

“Its paw bones were prominent, where sores could be seen on its tail and on its hind legs and both front legs.

“The inspector had immediate concerns for the dog and had him sign papers removing the animal.

“Thereafter the dog was admitted to a local veterinary service, where a report was sought to explain the condition of the dog.”

The vet’s investigation revealed Diesel had not received “nourishment for a matter of months”.

And after six days’ care, the dog had put on 1.7kg, or almost 4lbs in weight.

The court heard that Wallace had previously spoken to vets’ charity PDSA over his concerns about Diesel and he was asked to bring the animal in. However, he failed to do do.

Sheriff Simon Fraser said: “This dog was in a terrible condition. Photographs taken make horrendous viewing.”

He then told shocked Wallace the maximum punishment he faced was a year in jail and or a £20,000 fine.

He added: “However, you will not get custody, but you did neglect that dog for a considerable period of time.”

Diesel recovered from his ordeal and was rehomed.

Sentence: fined £475 (payable at £10pw). Banned from keeping animals for five years (expired June 2021)

Daily Record