Edinburgh man, 29, jailed for failing to properly feed and care for 'emaciated' pet Staffordshire bull terrier dog which later died

A 29-year-old man has been jailed for 40 days for failing to properly feed and care for his pet dog which later died.

Steven Goddard was also banned from owning a dog for eight years after Scottish SPCA inspectors discovered his three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Rocco in distress and only weighing 10kg when he should have been 13kg-17kg.

Straight after being rescued, the dog was found to be very dehydrated and trying to drink from puddles outside, while images taken by inspectors at the time showed his overgrown claws - resulting from a lack of care and exercise.

Goddard, of Blackfriars Street in Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on January 20.

SSPCA inspector Stuart Murray said they were alerted by a concerned member of the public who heard sounds from the property which made them believe a dog was being hit.

He said: “Rocco appeared to be in emaciated condition. He was dehydrated, his coat smelt badly, and he had a dejected demeanour. Rocco’s claws were approximately half an inch overgrown suggesting a lack of care or exercise.

“Once we took Rocco outside we had to immediately provide him with water as he was so thirsty he was trying to drink from puddles in the street.

“Rocco would have taken at least seven days to reach the emaciated condition he was in, but in reality, would most likely have taken much longer. This would have caused him a huge amount of distress and suffering, which would have been largely rectified simply by offering basic care.”

An image of Rocco following his rescue by SSPCA inspectors. Pic: SSPCA

Mr Murray said that although Rocco was taken to one of their animal rescue and rehoming centres, he developed a suspected neurological issue which affected his mobility and, despite medication, his condition worsened and he was put down.

Mr Murray added: “We’re pleased with the outcome of the case and glad it includes a custodial sentence.

“We’re also relieved that Goddard will be disqualified from owning a dog for eight years and we hope he seriously considers whether he has the ability to look after any animal in future.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”