A SCOTTISH SPCA inspector has said the organisation is "pleased" that a Musselburgh man has been banned from keeping animals after he left his dog to go blind.

Thirty-four-year-old David Watters of High Street, Musselburgh, pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment for a chronic ear condition, dental disease and chronic eye condition for his six-year-old French bulldog, Tyson, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on October 27.

READ MORE: Pet owner allowed his dog to go blind after failing to seek treatment

June Chalcroft, Scottish SPCA inspector, said: “On September 14, 2021, I attended Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home in response to concern for a stray dog that had been handed into their centre that morning by a member of the public.

“I was shown Tyson, a grey and white male French bulldog.

"Scabs had formed on both of Tyson’s eyes and there was a white glaze over them.

"He appeared to be blind. His left ear was thickened and it was clear that he was in need of immediate veterinary attention.

“Watters contacted the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home stating that he was the owner.

"I then contacted Watters, who agreed to Tyson being taken to the vets.

“The veterinary examination confirmed that Tyson was suffering from dry eye, a painful condition where a lack of tear production had led to both eyes becoming dry, inflamed and chronically scarred.

“Tyson had sadly lost his sight due to his condition being left untreated for so long.

Had to be put to sleep

“The cauliflower-like thickening of his left ear was likely due to an untreated haematoma that had slowly reabsorbed alongside chronic ear disease, both of which are painful conditions causing unnecessary suffering.

“Tyson also had dental disease, several missing teeth, significant calculus deposits and halitosis.

“Due to the severity of his condition, sadly Tyson had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

“We are pleased Watters has been given this ban and we hope that he will seriously consider his ability to care for any animals in the future.

“Dry eye is a condition that’s normally manageable with appropriate medications prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.

"Any responsible person would have have noticed the changes in Tyson’s eyes and sought appropriate veterinary attention.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”