A man has admitted starving a dog until it fell to almost half its ideal body weight.
Gary Thomson appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today and admitted causing the American Bulldog unnecessary suffering by failing to provide it with adequate nutrition and veterinary care.
The court heard Thomson, of 3 Bethelnie Cottages, Oldmeldrum, had taken in the dog after a friend of his separated from his partner.
He claimed he took it as he had a big garden for it to play in.
However representing the 30-year-old, solicitor Alex Burn said his client had never had a pet before and had no idea how much to feed it.
As a result its weight dropped from 35kg to around 20kg.
Mr Burn said his client had no intention of keeping a pet again and urged the sheriff to deal with the matter today by disqualifying him from owning dogs in future.
However Sheriff Kenneth Stewart said it was unimaginable to think any adult would not realise they would have to feed a living animal.
He said the dog had been left with a serious weight deficiency and background reports would be needed into his character. He also asked for photos of the dog to be provided for Thomson’s next court appearance.
He will return to court next month for sentence.