CAITLIN MCARTHUR'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN FALLIN: COURT BAN AND COMMUNITY ORDER

A mother and daughter from Fallin have been subjected to a five-year ban from keeping pets after a series of shocking animal welfare violations. Caitlin McArthur, aged 19, along with her mother Natalie, appeared before Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday to face charges related to neglect and cruelty towards their animals. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the conditions in which the animals were kept, as well as a tragic incident involving the death of a dog due to heatstroke.

According to reports, Caitlin McArthur was responsible for maintaining a collection of pets in extremely unsanitary and cramped conditions that prompted a workman to refuse entry into their family home located on Hilton Terrace, Fallin. The inspector and council officer who responded to the scene on March 21 of the previous year described the environment as overwhelmingly foul, with a strong smell that made entry impossible for the worker. Inside, they discovered three ducks confined in small cages placed beside the bed, a Jack Russell dog tethered to the bed, a rabbit housed in a plastic cage on the floor, and a guinea pig along with a gerbil kept in stacked cages. The conditions were appalling; the duck cages were covered in fecal matter, and the animals had no access to food or water. The ducks, suffering from skin sores and signs of malnourishment, were seen trying to clean themselves amidst the filth. The rabbit was found to have digestive issues, and the guinea pig exhibited a skin condition. The inspectors noted that the animals displayed abnormal behaviors, and their physical health was severely compromised.

Further distressing details emerged regarding a separate incident on July 18, 2013, involving Natalie McArthur. She left her father’s Yorkshire Terrier, named Crystal, in a parked car with three other dogs while temperatures soared to 25°C. She failed to seek veterinary assistance when the dog showed signs of distress, leading to Crystal suffering from heatstroke and ultimately dying from a heart attack within 40 minutes of being taken to the vet. Caitlin McArthur was found in the vet’s waiting room with the collapsed dog, which was described as being at an extremely high temperature. Natalie McArthur admitted to leaving Crystal in the car’s boot for about half an hour, describing the weather as “hottish.”

Defense lawyer Virgil Crawford acknowledged that the animals’ care had been inadequate but argued that none required euthanasia. He explained that Caitlin had moved the animals indoors to protect them from predators and that she suffers from depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Natalie McArthur’s legal representative, Alistair Burleigh, also recognized her mental health issues but assured the court that she is receiving treatment.

During sentencing, Sheriff William Gilchrist emphasized the seriousness of the case, condemning the deplorable conditions in which the animals were kept. He stated that the welfare of the animals was clearly compromised and that both Caitlin and Natalie needed support to address their circumstances. The court imposed a five-year ban on both women from owning or caring for animals and ordered them to complete a 12-month community payback supervision order.

Following the hearing, SSPCA inspector Louise Seddon highlighted the tragic death of Crystal, emphasizing the dangers of leaving dogs in hot vehicles. She expressed regret that the dog could have been saved if taken to the vet promptly. Inspector Seddon also praised the court’s decision, noting that the animals kept by Caitlin and Natalie were in filthy, cramped conditions without adequate food or water. She urged the public to be vigilant about animal welfare and to report any suspected neglect. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty.