Dog dies after being starved by cruel Scots owner who left him 'skin and bones'

A dog has died after being starved by a cruel owner who left him just 'skin and bones'.

John Campbell from Blantyre has been banned from owning animals for three years after leaving his rescue pet Rambo in a 'horrific state'.

The out of work 45-year-old DJ blamed the dogs suffering on the fact he claimed he had no money for vet bills.

It comes after Rambo was found with his rib cage sticking out so far 'you could count every single rib in his body'

Disgusted SSPCA rescuers vowed that they will 'never forget' finding the 'most emaciated dog' they had ever seen.

Rambo was put down because of his 'horrific state' (Supplied)

Cruel Campbell was also slapped with a £1000 fine for neglecting the poor pet.

A friend had raised the alarm after Campbell asked him to look after the dog when he started a new job.

It then emerged that Rambo had stopped eating in July 2020, but rescuers didn't discover him until January 2021.

The dog was just 15.6kg, meaning he had lost 14.2kg since he was last weighed at the end of 2018.

It is believed that he had gone into kidney failure as a result.

Now Campbell of Auchintibber Court, Blantyre, has pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment and a nutritionally adequate diet for his crossbreed dog, Rambo.

Rambo's ribs stuck out his chest after his owner failed to give him a sufficient diet (Supplied)

Rambo was caused unnecessary suffering through Campbell’s failure to provide a suitable diet to maintain a healthy condition, which led to Rambo being in an emaciated state.

If Rambo’s malnutrition was due a lack of appetite and not neglect, Campbell further sought no veterinary advice for the dog’s deteriorating condition.

Defence lawyer Lucy McKenna said Rambo was a rescue dog that Campbell had looked after for four years.

She told the court: "He's a self-employed taxi driver and DJ.

"During lockdown he was unable to work and built up significant rent arrears.

"Rambo was refusing to eat and my client was acutely aware it was his responsibility to seek help for him.

"But he was extremely anxious that he would be unable to afford vet fees.

"He has had dogs for most of his life and the last two lived to age 17 and 15.

"He expresses regret, remorse and sorrow for what happened to Rambo."

Scottish SPCA inspector, Sian Robertson, said, “On 18 January, 2021 we received a call to our animal helpline about a dog who was ‘skin and bones’ with his rib, spine and hip bones protruding.

“After multiple visits, we finally met Campbell at his property in Blantyre on 26 January.

"We were advised that Rambo was no longer in the care of Campbell, as he had signed him over in the last few days to the animal charity that he had rehomed him from.

“When Rambo was examined at the veterinary hospital he was found to be in a horrific state, and given a body condition score of one.

"This is the lowest possible score meaning he was extremely emaciated.

“Campbell had disclosed that Rambo had stopped eating in July 2020, and it is believed that he had gone in to kidney failure as a result.

“He was just 15.6kg, meaning he had lost 14.2kg since he was last weighed at the end of 2018.

“Sadly, due to the extent of his malnutrition and Campbell’s failure to seek veterinary attention Rambo was put to sleep on veterinary advice.

“I could not believe the condition Rambo was in.

"He is the most emaciated dog I have seen so far in my career and he undoubtedly suffered.

“His rib cage protruded so much that you could count every single rib in his body, and it was an extremely distressing sight that I will never forget.

“It is unimaginable how Campbell could live with Rambo and not think to seek urgent veterinary advice.

“This poor dog also had alopecia on his neck, thinning fur on his legs, tail and underside, and severely overgrown nails indicating that he was not walked very often.

“Campbell completely failed his dog, and caused him an unnecessary amount of suffering over a prolonged period of time.

“We’re pleased that Campbell has received a fine and three-year ban, but it is disappointing that he did not receive a life time ban for this level of neglect. We hope he seriously considers his ability to care for any animals in the future.

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