Man gets pet ban as dog nearly dies

A MAN from Edinburgh has been banned from keeping animals for life after his pet dog almost starved to death.

Nicholas Cruickshank, 22, who works for a sound production company, was also fined for neglecting his pet whippet Mia.

Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA visited his home in Murrayburn Crescent in May 2011 and found the dog malnourished and kept in unsanitary conditions.

He pleaded guilty to the animal cruelty charge and was sentenced yesterday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

His solicitor Angus McLennan said his client was sorry for the neglect, and appreciated he would no longer be allowed to keep pets.

The court also heard that the dog is now recovering from her ordeal and has been placed with new owners.

Sheriff John Horsburgh QC imposed the restriction on Cruickshank.