A man whose neglect meant his dog's bones were visible through its coat has been banned from owning pets for 20 years.

The German shepherd, named King, had to be put down after being found lying in an emaciated state with a chronic flea infestation by the Scottish SPCA.

Owner Andrew Elliot has been given a disqualification order from owning, keeping or obtaining any animal for two decades.

He admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment and adequate nutrition for the dog.

When King was found he was nearly half the weight a dog his size is expected to be with yellow mucus streaming from his nostrils and eyes surrounded by a thick green discharge.

The house he was kept in also smelled strongly of faeces and urine.

Elliot, formerly of Cultenhove Crescent in Grangemouth, also received a 180 hours community payback order as a result of the neglect.

He was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

The payback order is to be completed within six months.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Nicola Liddel said the dog was "waiting to die" when they found him.

She said: "This case was particularly distressing. When I first visited the property, King's eyes were so sunken back into his head that you could hardly see them and his demeanour was so low, it looked like he was waiting to die.

"After taking King to the vet it was found that he weighed only 18.6kg, when a dog of his size should be around 32kg.

"He was severely emaciated with all his bones visible throughout his coat and muscle wastage around his skull and his coat was stark and horrendously matted due to filth and faecal matter."

She added: "Poor King had a chronic flea infestation and was struggling to breathe due to the severe discharge blocking his nasal passages.

"Unfortunately, King was put to sleep following veterinary advice. King should not have been left to suffer as he did."

Ms Liddel believed the sentence handed to Elliot was suitable.

She said: "We are delighted the court has handed this sentence down, and hope Elliott seriously considers his suitability to own and care for animals in the future"