A FORTH VALLEY woman who neglected her German Shepherd has been banned from having pets for five years.

Coral Elliott, formerly of Cultenhove Crescent in Grangemouth, was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, December 21, following a Scottish SPCA investigation. 

She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to take her dog King to the vet and providing adequate nutrition. 

Speaking about the investigation and court case, Scottish SPCA inspector Nicola Liddel said: "This case was particularly distressing. When I first visited the property, King could be seen lying in an emaciated state with thick yellow mucus streaming from his nostrils. 

"His eyes were so sunken back into his head that you could hardly see them and they were surrounded by a thick greenish discharge. His demeanour was so low; it looked like he was waiting to die.

"After taking King to the vet it was found that he weighed only 18.6kgs, when a dog of his size should be around 32kgs. 

"He was severely emaciated with all his bones visible throughout his coat and muscle wastage around his skull. His coat was stark and horrendously matted due to filth and faecal matter.

"Poor King had a chronic flea infestation and was struggling to breathe due to the severe discharge blocking his nasal passages. Unfortunately, King was put to sleep following veterinary advice.

"King should not have been left to suffer as he did and was housed in entirely unsuitable accommodation which smelt strongly of urine and faeces.

"Elliot’s ex-partner, Andrew Elliott, was given a 180 hour community pay back order and disqualified from owning or keeping any animal for 20 years after having pled guilty on 6 June. 

"He pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide his dog, King, veterinary treatment and adequate nutrition. We are happy the court has handed this sentence down, and hope Elliott seriously considers her suitability to own and care for animals in the future."