MAN SENTENCED AFTER STARVED DOG FOUND DEAD IN KILMARNOCK
A man has been sentenced after starving his dog for several months, leading to his death.William Robert Purdie Allan, from Kilmarnock, came before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on November 21, 2025, after failing to meet the basic welfare needs of his bull breed type dog called Bruce.
Allan failed to provide Bruce with an adequate diet or seek urgent veterinary treatment, causing him prolonged and unnecessary suffering.
A post-mortem examination of Bruce concluded his extreme emaciated condition, most likely led to multiple organ failure and acute cardiac failure, caused his death.
Scottish SPCA inspectors attended Allan’s residence on October 7, 2024, after a call reporting concerns for the welfare of a dog at the property.
They found the dead dog inside a crate on the balcony, in very poor condition, extremely thin with ribs and hip bones clearly visible, indicating gross neglect.
Allan claimed the dog had been left with him by a relative of a partner and that he had tried to contact the owner but failed, saying he had been feeding Bruce but found him dead one day.
The veterinary examination revealed Bruce suffered from diffuse atrophy likely caused by starvation, with insufficient food for at least one month, most probably more than two, and none for three days prior to death.
Bruce’s weight was just 18kg, well below the healthy range of 20-40kg.
Allan was sentenced to a £1575 fine and, for not paying promptly, is serving 45 days in jail.
Additionally, he received a 10-year ban on owning animals.
The Scottish SPCA inspector commented: “The suffering endured by the dog was unnecessary and avoidable, and this sentencing recognizes the seriousness of the neglect.”
