AN ALEXANDRIA man has admitted neglecting his family’s pet dog so badly that it had to be put down.

Anthony Crosthwaite failed to get advice or treatment for the animal over a period of three years.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of animal neglect when he appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Thursday.

The charge admitted by Crosthwaite stated that he had failed to ensure adequate care and treatment for the husky-type dog, named Keeva, between July 5, 2017 and the same date the following year at his flat in North Street, Alexandria.

Fiscal depute Meghan Glancey, prosecuting, told the court: “A Scottish SPCA inspector attended the address on July 5, 2018 in relation to a complaint of dog neglect.

“The inspector saw the dog in an emaciated body condition, with clear infections in both ears.”

Crosthwaite agreed to the dog being taken into the SSPCA’s care, and Keeva was taken away to be examined by a vet.

Ms Glancey continued: “The surgeon noticed the dog was grossly under weight and had infections in both ears. The surgeon was of the view that for the dog to have reached this condition, from an ideal condition, would have taken several months.

“While in the care of the SSPCA the dog gained weight, but despite ongoing treatment, the chronic nature of its condition meant the decision was taken for the dog to be put down.”

Sheriff William Gallacher told Crosthwaite: “This was a disgraceful act.”

Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports.

Crosthwaite’s wife, Amanda, 35, had her plea of not guilty to the same charge accepted by the Crown at Thursday’s hearing.

In January the couple withdrew guilty pleas after seeking legal advice.

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