Moray dog owner banned from keeping animals
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A dog owner who admitted neglecting his pets has been banned from keeping any animals for the next three years.
The SSPCA called at the former home of Graham Elrick after being contacted by a concerned member of the public.
An officer for the animal welfare organisation encountered a brindle terrier plus a pair of shih tzus.
Elgin Sheriff Court was told that the fur of the two smaller dogs was badly matted, especially around their eyes, which was obstructing their vision.
In addition, there were faeces tangled around their bottoms.
The SSPCA officer asked Elrick if she could look around inside his property on Nelson Terrace in Keith.
Fiscal depute Karen Poke said: "She noted that the floor was dirty and sticky. Both the kitchen and living room were full of rubbish, dirty dishes and cigarettes."
The bowls belonging to the dogs – called Lady, Scrappy and Scooby – were also described as being dirty.
A vet later found the shih tzus' fur was so badly matted that they had to be completely shaved before he could examine them properly.
The vet concluded that while the animals had been fed by Eldrick, he had failed to groom them for at least two months.
It was also stated that the matted fur would have pulled on the dogs' skin, especially around the eyes, and caused them discomfort and a degree of pain.
Defence solicitor Ben Thom said his 66-year-old client, who walks with a stick, had become very isolated during lockdown and had struggled to look after both himself and his pets.
The lawyer added that Eldrick had now been moved to a property in Elgin and was receiving support from social services.
Eldrick admitted charges of failing to provide adequate care between August and October last year, and allowing the dogs' fur to become so matted it limited their vision, mobility and ability to defecate.
The prosecution successfully applied for a ban on keeping animals under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (2006).
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood also imposed a £470 to be paid at the rate of £20/month.
In response Eldrick said: "I'm not paying any fine. I want my dogs back."
Informed by his solicitor that he might be sent to prison if he didn't pay, he replied: "I will take that risk."
Sheriff Fleetwood repeated that the first £20 instalment of the fine would be required soon.
He added: "It's up to Mr Eldrick what he chooses to do with his time."
