Pet owner banned from keeping animals after dog euthanised

Scott Dennis admitted a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to the German shepherd, named Sammy, by failing to provide the canine with specialist medical attention for a chronic skin condition.

The animal, which was around seven years old at the time of its death, was left in a constant state of itching and irritation over a prolonged period, ultimately resulting in a decision to have it put down to end its trauma.

Dennis, 49, was sentenced at Greenock Sheriff Court last week after pleading guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act spanning 12 months between August 2022 and August 2023.

Scott Dennis pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court. (Image: NQ)

The first offender had been ‘struggling financially’, according to his lawyer, who said that his client attempted to treat the dog but ‘did not have the funds to take him to the vet’.

Solicitor Paul Cook told the court: “He turned to home remedies. Unfortunately, they didn’t work and the dog required to be put down.

“He regrets his conduct in this case and accepts full responsibility for what transpired.

“He is really quite devastated. He regarded the dog as like one of his children and has been deeply upset at it having to be put down.”

Sheriff Anthony McGeehan said the circumstances of the offence were ‘distressing to listen to’.

The German shepherd was euthanised as a result of Dennis' failure to get veterinary treatment (Image: Facebook)

He told Dennis: “Sammy, your then-seven-year-old dog, was examined by a vet as a result of concerns in relation to your care of the dog.

"That resulted in the conclusion that, as a result of your lack of care, the only humane option was to end its life with euthanasia.

“The knowledge that this outcome resulted from your failure to act was distressing. It was a distressing conclusion to arrive at and to listen to.

“I have listened carefully to what has been said on your behalf, and noted a number of mitigating circumstances.

“I noted that when you were cautioned and charged, from the outset you said that you had made serious errors of judgement, that you regret not taking the dog to the vet, and you should never have done it.

“Those are self-assessments with which I agree.”

The sheriff added: “Your regret is again reflected throughout your interview with the social work department.

“In the circumstances, I am therefore content or satisfied that, as recommended by the social work department, this matter can be dealt with by an alternative to custody.”

Dennis, of High Street in Rothesay, was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work in the community within 12 months.

He was also disqualified from keeping any animal for seven years.