HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE BY CORAL AND ANDREW ELLIOTT IN GRANGEMOUTH: DOG LEFT TO DIE

In a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty, Coral and Andrew Elliott, residents of Grangemouth, have been found guilty of neglecting a German shepherd named King, who was subjected to unimaginable suffering in their care. The incident came to light when authorities discovered the dog in a severely neglected state at the couple’s former residence on Cultenhove Crescent, Grangemouth.

Coral Elliott, born around 1995 and residing on Fendoch Road, Grangemouth FK3 9HA, was convicted in 2017 for her role in the abuse. Her former partner, Andrew Elliott, whose current whereabouts and age remain unknown, was also tried separately for his part in the case. Both were held accountable for the appalling treatment of King, who was found in a near-death condition, waiting to succumb to his suffering.

Andrew Elliott pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting to provide veterinary care and proper nutrition for King. In June 2017, he was sentenced to serve a 180-hour community payback order and was banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of 20 years. His actions reflected a blatant disregard for the well-being of the dog, which had been subjected to severe neglect.

Coral Elliott also admitted guilt to cruelty charges in December 2017. However, her punishment was comparatively lenient, with a ban from keeping animals for only five years. Despite her conviction, she failed to comply with her community payback order, leading to the imposition of another order in May 2019. Her ongoing failure to adhere to legal requirements underscores the seriousness of her neglect.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Nicola Liddel described the harrowing conditions in which King was found. She recounted her initial visit to the property, where she observed the dog lying in an emaciated state, with thick yellow mucus streaming from his nostrils. His eyes were deeply sunken, almost invisible, and surrounded by a greenish discharge, indicating severe infection and suffering. The inspector noted that King appeared to be in a state of despair, seemingly waiting for death.

Veterinary examination revealed that King weighed only 18.6 kilograms, a stark contrast to the expected weight of approximately 32 kilograms for a dog of his size. His body was frail, with all bones visible beneath his coat, and muscle wastage was evident around his skull. His fur was matted and filthy, caked with faecal matter and dirt. The dog was suffering from a chronic flea infestation and was struggling to breathe due to severe nasal discharge blocking his airways. Following veterinary advice, King was euthanized to end his suffering.

Inspector Liddel expressed her outrage at the case, emphasizing that King should never have been left to endure such neglect. The conditions of his confinement were deplorable, with the environment heavily contaminated by urine and faeces, making it entirely unsuitable for any living creature. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the need for strict enforcement to prevent such tragedies from recurring in Grangemouth and beyond.