A couple have been banned from keeping animals for five years for causing unnecessary suffering to their dog.

James and Jacqueline McGrory, of Airdrie, failed to take their dog Penny to the vets after suffering from a skin condition.

The 11-year-old collie cross had alopecia and her skin was covered in sores and pus.

She later had to be put down due to the severity of the skin condition.

The couple were given a five-year ban from owning animals and ordered to pay £300 in compensation.

Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson said: "The charge was dealt as James and Jacqueline failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment for a pre-existing skin complaint, for their dog, Penny, which ultimately led to complications in its health and the omission of pain relief for its clearly debilitating condition.

"Upon veterinary examination, Penny, an 11-year-old collie cross dog was found to have a large area of alopecia covering her entire back and sides, the skin was covered in multiple sores with some weeping pus.

"She had open sores on her elbows and a small skin mass at her left elbow.

"During the examination she was in obvious discomfort when the skin was touched over her body. Penny was weighed and was classified as grossly obese, with extremely overgrown nails.

"After consideration and examination, it was sadly concluded that Penny had such an established skin condition, with such advanced secondary changes that any chance of a recovery was negligible and she was sadly put to sleep."

She added: "We welcome the fact that this case has been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down. This level of neglect didn't happen overnight and could have been easily avoided.

"We hope James and Jacqueline will give serious consideration about their suitability to care for other animals in the future."