A cruel dog owner has been fined after failing to get help for her dog when it had a weeping infection and claws so long they grew over her paw pads.
Daisy, a five-year-old Shih Tzu, had belonged to Siobhan Wallace, 36, from Kirkcaldy in Fife. The dog was removed from her care after SSPCA officers found her at Wallace's property with severely overgrown fur, discharge coming from an ear and overgrown nails.
A call had been made to the animal welfare charity by Wallace on March 9, 2021, who reported her dog was scratching incessantly with patches of hair loss.
When SSPCA officers entered Wallace's property, they found an overpowering stench of yeast coming from Daisy, who appeared to be poorly kept for. She was found with a dry and flaky coat and with puss pouring from inflamed ears.
When officers asked Wallace if Daisy had received any medical help, she admitted she hadn't attended a vet in seven months due to Covid-19. The dog was removed from her care and urgently taken to a local vet.
On examination, she was found to have an infection in both ears. She also had a 2.5cm mass-like lesion in her mouth which caused discomfort when touched.
Her nails were so long they had to be removed using forceps, with some wounds on her paws also infected. The negligence of Daisy landed Wallace at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on November 7, where she pleaded guilty to failing to provide medical care for her dog.
She was slapped with a £375 fine and a £20 victim surcharge. Daisy has since been re-homed to a loving and caring new owner.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Stephanie Ross, said, “On March 9, 2021, we attended the property of Siobhan Wallace in response to a call she made to our animal helpline about her dog, Daisy. The dog was reportedly scratching incessantly and had patches of hair loss.
"Wallace also reported that there was a strong smell coming from the dog and that her claws were so long they were curling round and piercing into the pads. When asked if the dog had received any veterinary treatment, Wallace stated she had never attended a vet in the seven months she’d had Daisy due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“On entering the property, there was an overpowering smell of yeast. Daisy appeared very unkempt with overgrown, matted fur and had a strong smell coming from her. Daisy’s coat was very dry and flaky, and her ears were inflamed with discharge coming from them.
"Her nails appeared very long but it was difficult to fully examine her paws as they were so thick with fur and Daisy kept backing away as she was clearly uncomfortable. Wallace agreed to sign Daisy over into our care and we then transported her to the vets for a full examination.
“The vet confirmed that Daisy had an ear infection in both ears. She also had a 2.5cm mass-like lesion in her mouth which caused discomfort when touched. Nearly all of Daisy’s nails were overgrown, five of them so badly so that they went in to the paw pads and back out again.
"All nails were clipped back to an appropriate length but the nails that had grown through the pads had to be removed using forceps. Some of the wounds had become infected. Thankfully, the mass was found to be benign and Daisy responded well to treatment."
SSPCA officers fear Daisy could have been suffering for months, with Ms Ross admitting there was disappointment Wallace had not received a harsher punishment.
She added: “We are disappointed that Wallace hasn’t received a disqualification order but pleased she received a fine and that Daisy has gone on to find a loving new home where she will be cared for in the proper manner. It would have been obvious that Daisy was uncomfortable and we would expect any reasonable owner to have recognised this and sought veterinary treatment sooner.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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