A couple have been banned from keeping animals after severely neglecting a cat for over a year.

Carol Baird and Samuel Hutchison, 53 and 59, of Banff, Aberdeenshire, were also fined £1200 for causing the animal unnecessary pain and suffering by failing to provide necessary veterinary treatment.

Their cat, Austin, was found with fur so badly matted he needed to be sedated before it could be removed in a 90-minute operation.

A vet then examined Austin and found him to be in such poor health that he had to be put down.

Inspector Alison Simpson of the Scottish SPCA said Austin's condition was one of the worst cases of neglect she had seen in 20 years.

"It took over one and a half hours to remove the matted hair, and Austin's weight dropped from 2.9kgs to 2.65kgs," she said.

"It's believed that matting this severe would have taken at least a year, and could have easily been prevented with regular brushing."

Ms Simpson continued: "Once his hair was removed it was clear how thin he was, with his spine and bones easily seen and felt. A cat of Austin's build should have weighed around 4-5kg."

Austin was also found to have dental issues that would have caused him considerable pain.

Ms Simpson said: "Due to Austin's advanced age and extremely ill health, a good quality of life could not have been achieved.

"Following extensive examination a vet decided that the kindest thing to do was put Austin to sleep and end his ongoing suffering."

At Banff Sheriff Court on Tuesday Baird and Hutchison were banned from keeping or owning animals for five years.

Ms Simpson said the Scottish SPCA continued to push for tougher sentences against people who neglect or abuse animals.

"This level of neglect didn't happen overnight and could have easily been avoided," she said.

"I hope the pair seriously consider their ability to look after animals once the five-year ban has passed."