A Johnstone man has been banned from owning animals for four years after neglecting a cat.
John McEwan was sentenced at Paisley Sheriff Court after failing to seek treatment for his cat, Oreo, who suffered with a broken leg and an ear infection for weeks.
The Scottish SPCA was alerted to his property in February 2025 following a call to its Animal Helpline.
An inspector arrived and found the black and white cat, visibly limping.
Two small puncture wounds were found on his left hind leg.
McEwan admitted he had not sought veterinary care, saying he had contacted the PDSA but was told he did not qualify for free treatment because the cat was not registered in his name.
The inspector advised McEwan to keep Oreo in a crate to help him rest and recover while an appointment was arranged.
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Despite multiple attempts to contact McEwan, the Scottish SPCA received no response.
During a return visit, the inspector was able to check on Oreo again and found that the cat’s condition had worsened.
It was clear he was in pain and that his welfare had been severely compromised as he was now not putting weight on his front leg due to McEwan neglecting to seek help.
Oreo was removed from the property and taken for examination.
A vet found him to be "very lame" on his left front leg, which was swollen.
The vet also noted a small wound on his left hind elbow, hair loss, and scabbing.
Oreo showed significant discomfort during the examination.
His ears were inflamed and there was increased wax, consistent with an infection.
The vet determined that Oreo had been suffering for at least two weeks due to McEwan’s failure to seek treatment.
He was given pain relief and taken to the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Glasgow.
Due to his poor prognosis, he was put to sleep on welfare grounds.
The Scottish SPCA said McEwan had been told Oreo was suffering unnecessarily.
An inspector from the charity said: "McEwan was offered help by the Scottish SPCA, which would have helped with initial treatment for his cat.
"McEwan chose not to engage with us which resulted in his cat suffering from a broken leg and ear infection for weeks."
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