Ben.
Paul Lynch, 44, of Broomyhill Place, Linlithgow, was sentenced at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday after pleading  guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his German shepherd crossbreed dog named Ben by failing to obtain veterinary attention to investigate the cause of the weight loss and to treat his chronic dermatitis.

Lynch was banned from owning or keeping dogs for five years and fined £800.

 Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Emma Phillips said, “Ben was emaciated and had difficulty walking. He weighed just 22.8kg when a dog of his breed should have been around 34kg.

 “There were no underlying health issues to explain Ben’s poor body condition and the vet advised this indicated chronic malnutrition over several months.

“Ben also had chronic dermatitis, which would have caused him significant discomfort.

“Sadly, the vet advised that the kindest option was to put Ben to sleep to end his pain and suffering as he would not have recovered.

“This was a tragic case and Ben would have suffered greatly due to Lynch’s failure to seek veterinary attention.

“We welcome the fact Lynch has been dealt with by the court and hope he will give serious consideration about his suitability to care for other animals in the future.”

Photo by Scottish SPCA

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.