AN animal charity has hit out after a man who allowed his horse to become severely emaciated was not given a ban on keeping animals when he appeared in court.

Colin McLean, 56, of Blairingone, Dollar, was found guilty of causing his horse unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate nutrition and required veterinary care when he appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court.

McLean was given a deprivation order, meaning the horse, named Jill by Scottish SPCA staff, will not be returned to his care.

Scottish SPCA inspector Nicola Liddell said: "We are disappointed that no ban on keeping animals has been imposed by the court.

"Jill was extremely underweight with bad rain scald over her back and hind quarters. Her spine and ribs were clearly visible and the points of her hips were protruding from under her thick winter coat. A vet assessed Jill as having a body score of just one out of five and commented that she was suffering from one of the worst lice infestations they had ever seen.

"Not only is a ban important in cases such as this, where we believe the offender has demonstrated they are unfit to care for animals, it also sends out an important message that owning an animal is a privilege and not a right.

"Jill has made a remarkable recovery after prolonged rehabilitation in our care and we can now find her the loving home she deserves."