A cruel couple are still allowed to keep animals despite leaving their pet Labrador malnourished and wasting away 'to skin and bone' following a period of neglect. Brian Smith of Chapelhall, Airdrie pled guilty to failing to provide a nutritionally adequate diet for his golden Labrador, Luna, who was found 'severely emaciated' by Scottish SPCA workers in April last year.
Patricia O'Donnell, 34, of Cairnhill, Airdrie, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to her elderly dog, Millie, who was rescued from Romania, and was so thin her ribs showed. O'Donnell received a £250 fine, while Smith received a 12-month supervision order and 75 hours unpaid work. Neither owner was banned from keeping animals.
Luna was found to be extremely timid, often cowering away from others. Romanian rescue Millie was found 'extremely underweight' in the pair's home, with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding through her skin.
Millie, too, was subject to 'an unnecessary amount of suffering' due to issues surrounding her ears and teeth.
Both dogs were taken into care, and Luna was been rehomed but Milly was euthanised due to underlying health issues.
John Chisholm Scottish SPCA chief inspector, said: “We attended the property in April 2021 following complaints to our animal helpline of dog neglect.
“The reports described a Labrador cross type dog at the property who was extremely underweight and would often cower away. The dog was described by one caller as ‘skin and bone’ with their back end protruding.
“O’Donnell explained that her Labrador cross, Luna, was a Romanian rescue and they were working hard to get her to a healthy weight.
“Upon seeing Luna we were immediately concerned as she was severely emaciated, with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding.
“O’Donnell claimed that Luna had been seen by a vet and they had been given dietary advice. However, she could not recall any information regarding this. She also changed her story around this multiple times.
“Concern grew for Luna’s welfare and O’Donnell was cautioned."
Chisholm continued: "Millie was scruffy in appearance and had areas of matted and tangled fur to her underside and around her ears.
“Concern grew for Millie’s ears and she was given a general anaesthetic in order to examine them fully.
“Once a large volume of thick black wax was removed, the procedure revealed Millie’s ears were full of tumours.
"Veterinary professionals advised her prognosis for recovery was poor, but she could be made comfortable with medication for the time being. She had not been treated for this previously, and was undoubtedly caused suffering."
The charity have now hit out at what they consider a lenient punishment for the couple, and have expressed their frustration that the pair have not been banned from keeping animals.
Chisholm added: “Both dogs were taken in to our care and Milly was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice due to underlying health conditions.
"Luna made a full recovery and has been rehomed to a loving home.
"It is extremely disappointing that considering the amount of suffering that was caused to Millie and Luna, a harsher sentencing was not given.
“O’Donnell and Smith have clearly shown that they were not able to provide their animals with the care they needed, and we would have hoped this to be reflected in a ban on owning or keeping animals.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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