A pet owner has been given an animal ban after his dog was found covered in blistering burn wounds.

Thomas McKnight, 52, was banned from owning pets for three years after his Springer Spaniel, named Bobby, was discovered with extensive burns across his back at a house in Kilmarnock.

The neglected dog's burns were matted with hair and heavily infected.

McKnight pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering under section 19 of the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Scottish SPCA inspector Jade Cummings said: "This charge was dealt as McKnight failed to provide adequate veterinary treatment to Bobby, a male Springer Spaniel, for weeping, infected and blistering burn wounds, which resulted in a severely debilitated physical condition and mental distress.

"Upon veterinary examination, Bobby was found to have extensive burns over his back consistent with the history given of the owner accidentally spilling boiling water on him five days prior.

"The wounds were matted with hair and infected.

"These wounds will have been causing Bobby significant, unnecessary pain and suffering and veterinary treatment should have been sought immediately.

"When you own an animal you are responsible for any and all veterinary care and treatment, and unfortunately emergencies do happen and this cost must be considered.

"I'm happy the courts have dealt with this case and the sentence passed down."