A MAN who allowed his dog to become half his ideal weight has been banned from owning animals for eight years.

Matthew James Fleming, 23, of Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, was also fined £750 after pleading guilty to failing to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary attention for his 13-year-old greyhound, who was so ill he had to be put to sleep.

He was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday after an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.

Inspector Gillian Dick said the dog, which was named Edge, was "severely emaciated" and had pressure sores because he had been unable to move.