Thomas Skyrme, 73, of Eastfield Farm, Wiston was found guilty of causing 13 year old border collie, Barker, unnecessary suffering at Biggar Sheriff Court on January 30. He was admomished, however ownership of Barker was transferred to his estranged wife, with a special condition that the dog must remain in England and not be returned to his care.
The Scottish SPCA was alerted to Barker's condition when Skyrme eventually took him to a vet at least four days after Barker received the injuries in a fight. By this time the majority of his right ear was missing, exposing his ear canal, and his head was covered in deep scratches.
Inspector Gillian Dick said: "Skyrme should have taken Barker to the vet straight away, but instead he tried, ineffectively, to treat Barker's wounds himself which resulted in considerable damage and infection and caused the dog a great deal of pain and discomfort.
"We would expect any animal owner, not least an experienced stockman, to have sought immediate veterinary treatment for such a severe injury; therefore we welcome today's conviction."
