BEATA RUTKOWSKA FROM TILLYDRONE ABERDEEN FACES COURT OVER CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG

Beata Teresa Rutkowska, a resident of Alexander Terrace in the Tillydrone area of Aberdeen, has been convicted of neglecting her elderly dog, Oscar, leading to severe suffering and ultimately his euthanasia. Born around 1967 and originally from Gdansk, Poland, Rutkowska pleaded guilty to failing to seek veterinary care for her 12-year-old pet, who was suffering from a painful, ulcerated wound on his paw.

The incident occurred over a period spanning from February 1 to May 26, 2017, and only came to light after a thorough investigation conducted by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA). The investigation revealed that Oscar’s condition was dire, with a chronic skin lesion on his paw that had become ulcerated and ruptured, causing him significant pain and discomfort.

According to reports, Rutkowska’s neglect resulted in Oscar being unable to stand on his affected paw. The Scottish SPCA described the situation as one where the dog was left to endure unnecessary suffering, with the omission of pain relief exacerbating his distress. The neglect was so severe that the dog’s claws had grown excessively long, indicating he had not been taken to a veterinarian for at least four years. The constant licking of his wound by Oscar was also noted, which likely worsened his condition.

Inspector Alison Simpson from the Scottish SPCA provided a detailed account of her findings. She stated, “When I initially visited the property and saw Oscar, it was clear that he was struggling and in pain. The wound was oozing constantly and there was a putrid smell coming from his paw. Oscar had clearly not been able to put weight on his paw for quite some time as his claws were overgrown and considerably longer than those on his other paw. He also kept licking the wound which no doubt aggravated it further.”

Further investigation revealed that Oscar had not been taken to a vet for at least four years, which contributed to the severity of his condition. Due to the extent of his injuries and the risks associated with attempting amputation in a dog of his age, the veterinary advice was to euthanise him. Rutkowska made the decision to proceed with euthanasia, leaving Oscar to suffer for an extended period.

Following her court appearance, Rutkowska was sentenced to a fine of £700 and was handed a ten-year ban on owning any animals, a restriction that will remain in effect until May 2028. The Scottish SPCA expressed their disappointment that Oscar’s suffering could have been entirely prevented had proper care been provided. Inspector Simpson emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to ensure animals receive timely veterinary attention to prevent such tragedies.