A Banffshire man has been handed a £750 fine following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
40-year-old Luke Kildare of The Hythe, Macduff pled guilty at Banff Sheriff Court on 14 June 2023 for failing to seek veterinary attention for his 18-week old puppy, Fatty. Due to Kildare being currently incarcerated, the Sheriff determined that the Accused was unable to pay this amount and he was sentenced to a period of 28 days.
Scottish SPCA inspector Fiona Mckenzie said, “On 1 February 2020 we visited Luke Kildare after receiving reports that his 18-week old German shepherd crossbreed puppy had been hit by a car.
“On attending the puppy was found lying on the sofa in the living room and was very subdued and quiet.
“Fatty was obviously injured and suffering immense pain. His right foreleg was extremely swollen from the elbow to toes. It was more than twice the size of the left foreleg.
“There was fresh blood on the injured leg, his toe nails were broken and pads on the foot were scratched. These injuries are consistent with being hit by a car which Kildare confirmed had occurred earlier that evening.
“Kildare had disregard to fatty’s injuries, he inconsiderately went to touch the affected leg and the puppy screamed in pain. Fatty had been injured and in pain for at least 2 hours without veterinary treatment.
“Kildare was reluctant to take his puppy for veterinary treatment or accept assistance from the Scottish SPCA to arrange this so Fatty was removed from the property to seek first aid treatment.
“The vet confirmed that Fatty’s right foreleg had been fractured as a result of being hit by the car.
“Fatty should have been seen by a vet immediately after incident. Kildare’s failure to seek veterinary treatment for Fatty undoubtedly caused this young puppy immense suffering.
“Although we’re glad that Kildare has received a fine we would have liked him to receive a ban on keeping animals due to the disregard he showed for Fatty’s well-being in this case.
“We hope he seriously reconsiders his ability to care for any animal in future.”
Fatty had to endure a horrendous start to his life but has since been rehomed by the Scottish SPCA where he is now in a loving home.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
