A couple have been banned from keeping animals after causing "prolonged suffering" for two dogs as a result of "extreme matting".
Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA were called to Peter and Helen Doyle's home in Shetland in November 2025 after the condition of their two Cockapoos was reported to the charity’s Animal Helpline.
The dogs, Poppy and Henry, had become so badly matted that their mobility and vision were left impaired. A vet concluded that their welfare had been "seriously compromised" and that it had taken "a number of months" for their coats to become so bad.
Severe matting and treatment
Both dogs were taken into the care of the SSPCA and shaved to relieve their suffering. Poppy's fur was the worse of the two and her whole body was described as "in a terrible state".
When inspectors visited the Doyle's home, Poppy kept rubbing herself on the floor and against the Inspector as if she was uncomfortable. One mat was found to be completely covering her left eye and it took more than an hour to remove all 1.5kgs of her matted fur.
Once the mat was removed from her eye, the vet noted that the surrounding skin was wet and stained brown with filth. She was also prescribed a steroid and antibiotic cream for her infected and inflamed skin.
Rehoming and sentencing
Had the SSPCA not intervened, Henry’s coat would have also ended up considerably worse like Poppy’s. He was also shaved.
Both dogs were taken into the care of the SSPCA for their welfare and transported to the charity’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Inverness for further care and treatment. Both have since gone on to find their forever homes.
The Doyles were handed a two-year ban on owning and keeping animals at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, August 26 after neglecting to deal with their dogs extreme matting, causing prolonged suffering.
Peter Doyle was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, while Helen Doyle was ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work.
The SSPCA inspector said: “Peter and Helen Doyle could see how poor a condition both Poppy and Henry were in and still did not seek help. It would have taken a considerable amount of time for them to get to this state and it is evident by how matted their coats both were that no effort was made to prevent or resolve their suffering.
“Any responsible owner should research the breed they are considering taking on and consider whether they can meet its needs. Cockapoos require to be brushed several times a week and receive regular grooming approximately every six to eight weeks.
“In Poppy and Henry’s case, they did not even receive the bare minimum of care. I am glad that we have sought justice for them.”
