A cat owner who caused his pet unnecessary suffering has been banned from keeping animals for ten years.

Frith Mitchell pleaded guilty to neglecting his cat Tiga and was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The 44-year-old, of New Street, Musselburgh, admitted failing to feed the cat properly and failing to get him the urgent veterinary treatment he needed.

Mitchell was charged following a Scottish SPCA investigation, which found Tiga in a "skeletal condition" and suffering from a range of painful conditions.

Animal welfare inspector Stephanie McCrossan said: "Tiga was in a very poor, skeletal condition, he was dragging his leg, which was protruding at an awkward angle, across the floor as he walked and it was clear he was in urgent need of veterinary treatment.

"After taking Tiga to the vet we found out that he had several health issues which would have caused him to suffer unnecessarily for a prolonged period of time due to his owner failing to seek the necessary veterinary treatment he clearly required.

"Unfortunately, the vet made the decision to put him to sleep due to the severity of his conditions.

"We are pleased that Mitchell has been dealt with by the courts and hope he will give serious consideration to his ability to care for animals in the future."

Mitchell was also ordered to do 85 hours of unpaid work under a community payback order.