Failed dog breeder slammed for starving pet to death as harrowing pictures of animal released

This is the harrowing state a cruel failed dog breeder left his pet bulldog in - after starving the animal to death.

Andrew McLaughlin was spared jail for depriving Luna the bulldog of food and water when she didn't have pups.

The 40-year-old had phoned the vet to ask about having the animal put down when he failed to breed her.

He then went on to starve her to death and failed to seek veterinary treatment for an infection.

The Port Glasgow man took her body to a vet in Glasgow after she passed away, which led to him being prosecuted and landing in the dock at Greenock Sheriff Court this week.

Today, Thursday, April 23, 2026, the SSPCA released pictures of Luna's body - and blasted McLaughlin for his actions.

A Scottish SPCA Inspector said after he was spared jail: “This was a case of gross neglect by McLaughlin.

"If Luna had received prompt vet attention when McLaughlin called the vet back in October 2024, it is possible that she could have made a full recovery or at the very least if she was euthanised, she would not have been subjected to prolonged suffering.

“Luna died from her owner’s failure to seek vet attention and provide her with adequate nutrition, causing her to suffer for around two months prior to her death.

“This was a truly heartbreaking outcome but we are glad that justice has been achieved for Luna.”

We told yesterday, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, how a sheriff said he was duty bound to spare McLaughlin jail as there was an alternative sentence available.

At Greenock Sheriff Court, Sheriff Anthony McGeehan said: "You appear before the court having pleaded guilty to a serious charge.

"In short, for six weeks you caused your bulldog, Luna, unnecessary suffering by failing to provide her adequate food and water and failing to provide any veterinary assistance.

"As a result of your actions she not only suffered unnecessary pain, she was actually starved to death.

"This case can be described as horrific. You minimised, diminished and attempted to justify your actions.

"You said you purchased Luna with the purpose of breeding her and when you couldn't you contacted the vet for advice on euthanising Luna.

"Your claim that you apparently love Luna is given lie to by the actual evidence of your actions. 

"I'm satisfied that the custody threshold has been met and is available to me today.

"However, the law is that a custodial sentence can only be imposed if no other method of dealing with you is appropriate.

"The social worker who compiled the Criminal Justice Social Work [background] Report assessed you as suitable for a community based disposal."

He placed McLaughlin on a 12-month-long Community Payback Order, which will see him supervised by social workers.

He also made him the subject of a 46-week-long Restriction of Liberty Order, which will see him fitted with an electronic tag.

He has to remain within the home he shares with his mother between 7pm and 7am for the 46 weeks, with the sentence reduced from 52 weeks as he admitted his guilt.

He was also banned from owning or keeping dogs for life and warned he could be jailed if he breaches the court orders.

He had previously admitted having failed to care for her properly between October 8, 2024, and November 26, 2024 - the day he handed her into the hospital.

He pleaded guilty to causing Luna unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate food and water, failing to seek the veterinary attention she needed, and starving her to death.