An owner has been fined after his neglected dog was left struggling to walk due to matted fur.

David Youngston, from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, was ordered to pay £1000 for causing the unnecessary suffering of his dog Doodles.

The Lhasa Apso was contaminated with faecal matter around his hind and feet while also smelling of urine and faeces.

Doodles has now been handed back to the 57-year-old following the case.

Inspector Fiona Shand said: "The charge was dealt as Youngston caused Doodles suffering by failing to provide adequate veterinary attention and grooming.

"Upon veterinary examination, Doodles was found to have severely matted fur over his whole body.

"The matts were significantly contaminated with faecal matter around his hind and feet, and he smelt very strongly of urine and faeces.

"Doodles had a significantly reduced range of motion in all four limbs, and was lame on his right hind leg due to the matting restricting his movement.

"Once the matted fur had been clipped it became evident that there was urine scalding on all four feet, around the groin area as the matts had restricted urination.

"Doodles' bodyweight on presentation was 9.4kg, after removal of the matted fur his bodyweight was 7.5kg."

The Scottish SPCA said it is "disappointed" with how the case has been dealt with.

Inspector Shand added: "Although we welcome the fact that this case has been dealt with by the court, we are disappointed with the sentence handed down.

"As no ban was issued, Doodles had to be returned to Youngston's care.

"This case further highlights our push for tougher and more consistent sentencing.

"This degree of matting had not occurred quickly and is likely to have taken a considerable amount of time to get to this state.

"Doodles suffered unnecessarily as a result of this and it could have been easily avoided."