CATHERINE THOMSON LEAVES RUTHERGLEN DOG TO STARVE IN ABANDONED PROPERTY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rutherglen, Catherine Louise Thomson, born around 1992 and formerly residing on Slenavon Avenue, Springhall, was found guilty of neglecting her pet dog, Harvey, a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier. Thomson had moved out of her residence, leaving her loyal companion behind in a deplorable state of suffering, which ultimately led to the dog nearly losing his life.

Harvey was discovered in an abandoned property, where he was found on the brink of death due to severe starvation. Veterinary assessments described his condition as the worst case of emaciation they had encountered in over a decade of practice. When rescued, Harvey weighed just over 10 kilograms, significantly under the healthy weight of approximately 17 kilograms for his breed and age. Veterinarians estimated that he was only about 48 hours away from death when he was finally saved.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stacey Erwin recounted the distressing details of the case. In April 2019, a concerned member of the public contacted the SPCA after noticing troubling signs at Thomson’s former address. Despite multiple attempts to contact Thomson and gain access to the property, initial efforts were unsuccessful. During a subsequent visit, Inspector Erwin peered through the letterbox and saw Harvey struggling to make his way to the door. The dog was visibly emaciated, with his spine, ribs, and hip bones protruding sharply through his skin. The inspector immediately recognized the urgent need for intervention.

Upon gaining entry, the scene was appalling: the flat was littered with debris, and the floor was soaked with dog urine and feces. There was no food or water available for Harvey, indicating a complete neglect of his basic needs. It was later confirmed that Thomson had vacated the premises, abandoning Harvey behind in the squalid conditions. Despite his frail state, Harvey appeared to recognize the rescuers and was eager to see them, but he was unsteady on his feet and severely malnourished. His body was devoid of fat and muscle, with bones clearly visible beneath his skin.

Immediate action was taken to save Harvey. The inspector offered him food, which he devoured ravenously, and then transported him to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. The veterinarian’s examination revealed that Harvey was suffering from the most severe form of emaciation they had encountered in their 13 years of practice. His body score was rated at just 1 out of 10, where 1 indicates extreme emaciation, 5 is considered ideal, and 10 signifies obesity.

Thanks to the dedicated care provided by the SSPCA, Harvey has made remarkable progress. He was placed in a rehoming center, where he received proper nutrition and medical attention. Over time, he gained weight and strength, eventually finding a loving forever home. Despite this positive outcome, the suffering Harvey endured was extensive, and his condition had developed over a prolonged period of neglect.

Thomson’s sentencing reflected her failure to provide even the most basic care for her dog. She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and was handed a three-year ban from keeping animals, which is set to expire in March 2024. Inspector Erwin expressed her disappointment that Thomson was only admonished for the initial charge, emphasizing her blatant disregard for Harvey’s welfare. She stated, “Thomson demonstrated that she was unable to provide Harvey with even the most basic of care and showed a complete disregard for his welfare by moving out of her property and leaving him behind. We hope Thomson will carefully consider her ability to look after any animal in the future.”

The case underscores the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of animal neglect. Inspector Erwin concluded, “This case just shows the urgency of reporting concerns to us as Harvey may have passed away if he had been left any longer.” The SSPCA’s efforts in rescuing Harvey and providing him with a second chance at life highlight the critical role of animal welfare organizations in protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect.