Warning: This article contains some graphic images.

A MEATH MAN has been convicted after a dog was found emaciated and barely able to walk due to a massive abscess on one of her fore-legs.

The ISPCA found the six year old female Golden Labrador named Coco after being contacted by a vet.

Source: ISPCA

The dog had a chronic skin condition all over the lower half of her body resulting in complete hair loss in that area and her skin was foul-smelling, thickened, discoloured and infected.

Source: ISPCA

Source: ISPCA

Inspector Elaine Whyte investigated the case and secured the surrender of Coco into the care of the ISPCA. She said:

It is sad and unacceptable how Coco’s condition was allowed to develop for so long … if she had received appropriate veterinary care at the right time she would have been spared so much unnecessary suffering.

Source: ISPCA

Due to the chronic nature of Coco’s condition, the decision was made to euthanise her on veterinary advice.

The man entered a guilty plea in relation to two offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act and was convicted on one section 12 offence with the other taken into consideration.

Judge Grainne Malone imposed a three month sentence suspended for eighteen months with the man bound to keep the peace and his own bond of €250.00.

He also handed €1,000 in cash into court for a local charity and legal costs were awarded to the prosecution.