AN ALLOA man failed to seek veterinary treatment for his dog which was suffering from horrific injuries.

The Patterdale terrier had gaping wounds which were consistent with having been inflicted by a badger’s claw.

When it was finally rescued by the SSPCA, there was a smell of decaying flesh and the dog was shaking.

The owner was 29-year-old Liam Stevenson, formerly of Ashley Terrace, Alloa, now of Chapelhill Street, Kincardine.

He claimed he had bought the dog from a mystery buyer in Ireland and when he picked up the dog up off a ferry at Cairnryan it was already badly injured.

Despite this, he took the dog because he felt “intimidated”.

Instead of seeking immediate assistance, Stevenson decided he would treat the dog himself not at his own house but at his grandad’s home.

Stevenson appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court, having previously pleaded guilty.

Between February 3 and 10 last year, at Tower Way, Sauchie, being the person responsible for a dog, he failed to provide adequate care and treatment for it.

He failed to obtain veterinary advice or treatment for the dog, which was suffering from conditions including an eye infection and injuries to the head and body caused by animal bites and scratches.

Stevenson’s version of events was that he had gone to Cairnryan to pick up the dog having previously paid 600 euros for it in Ireland.

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He did not know the name of the person he had bought it from.

The dog was injured but he still took it because he felt “intimidated”.

The dog was eventually tracked down by the police after Stevenson had taken it to his grandad’s house for the week.

The dog was taken away by the SSPCA to be treated properly and start its recovery.

Sheriff Neil Bowie noted that the dog had significant seeping wounds, a bone was exposed, there was smell of decaying flesh, with the animal shaking and in distress.

The SSPCA said the wounds “were consistent with having been caused by a badger’s claw”, he added.

He told Stevenson: “You didn’t seek any assistance for a week until the police searched for it and found it. This dog clearly suffered significantly.

“You are a first offender but at the age of 29 you cannot be said to immature or irresponsible.”

The sheriff imposed a disqualification order banning Stevenson from owning or keeping any animals for 10 years.

He was also put on a community payback order with 100 hours of unpaid work.