CRUEL ANIMAL ABUSER STARVED BULLDOG TO DEATH IN PORT GLASGOW
A CRUEL animal abuser starved his pet dog to death after failing to adequately feed her over a seven-week period.Andrew McLaughlin, from Port Glasgow, handed the dead bulldog Luna into the Small Animal Hospital in Glasgow on November 26, 2024.
The five-year-old dog’s body was in an ‘emaciated condition’, with her ribs, hips and spine visible.
There appeared to be no fat or muscle on her body, which weighed just 10.5 kilograms.
Greenock Sheriff Court heard a dog of this breed, age, and size should have weighed around 23 kilograms.
Following examinations, veterinary experts estimated that the weight loss could have occurred over a period of two to six weeks if food was acutely withheld but water was provided.
A second estimate of six months to 12 months was also provided, during which the weight loss may have been the result of multiple factors - including chronic diseases or the quality of her nutrition.
The court heard that, in either event, the dog would ‘undoubtedly’ have been caused 'unnecessary and significant suffering'.
A post-mortem examination by a vet at the hospital noted several active diseases were occurring in the animal at the time of her death.
It was found that these may have been exacerbated by a calorie deficit.
A fiscal depute told the court: “In their opinion, the animal was subject to unnecessary pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm.” McLaughlin, of Rona Avenue, was interviewed by police following the examinations and confirmed he was the owner and person responsible for the dog’s care.
The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of causing the dog unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate food and water and failing to seek appropriate veterinary attention for her bodily condition – and ultimately causing her death by starvation.
The offence was committed between October 8, 2024 and November 26, 2024.
Sheriff Anthony McGeehan deferred sentence until April 22 and called for a background report to be prepared in advance of the next hearing.
He also continued consideration of a Crown motion seeking that McLaughlin is disqualified from keeping animals.
