WOMAN FAILED TO SEEK VET TREATMENT FOR ‘EMACIATED’ DOGS
A woman from Forres has received a five-year ban on owning animals after she failed to obtain veterinary care for her two undernourished dogs.Courtney Ritchie, aged 25, was sentenced at Elgin Sheriff Court for causing unnecessary suffering to her pets.
She admitted to allowing her Border Collie and German Shepherd to become emaciated.
The charges also noted that the Border Collie had stained paws and belly due to being kept in contact with urine while confined in a dog crate.
According to fiscal depute Shay Treanor, in July 2025, a senior SSPCA inspector responded to a call from an animal helpline reporting a dog in extremely poor condition.
Upon arrival at Ritchie’s residence in Brig Wynd, the inspector detected a strong smell of animal urine within the property.
Inside, they found two dogs, both owned by Ritchie.
Initial assessments suggested the dogs appeared thin, but closer inspection revealed they were severely malnourished, with their spines, ribs, and pelvic bones prominently visible.
The animals were removed and taken for veterinary examinations before being transferred into SSPCA custody.
Ritchie was subsequently interviewed under caution, confirming she had owned the Border Collie for about nine months and the German Shepherd for two years, but had not sought veterinary advice regarding their weight.
The SSPCA plans to rehome both dogs, the court heard.
Solicitor Robert Cruickshank indicated that Ritchie was a first-time offender who pleaded guilty early in the process.
He described the case as stemming from a difficult period in Ritchie’s life, and noted she was visibly upset during the proceedings.
A report also mentioned the impact on her daughter.
Despite her challenging background, Mr Cruickshank highlighted that Ritchie had made positive personal changes since the incident.
He suggested her ownership of the dogs might have been motivated by a desire to benefit her daughter, stating, “It appears she was overwhelmed and unable to care for the dogs.” The solicitor emphasised that Ritchie had been making efforts to feed the animals, with one dog experiencing some difficulties eating.
Photographs presented in court showed substantial amounts of dog food available in her home, indicating her attempts to care for them.
Sheriff David Harvie acknowledged that while parts of Ritchie’s life are positive, there are areas where she struggles.
Addressing her directly, the sheriff said, “You let these dogs fall into a terrible state.” He noted the reports and, while not detailing all content, took them into consideration.
As part of her sentence, Ritchie was ordered to maintain good behaviour for six months and was prohibited from owning or keeping animals for a period of five years.
