WOMAN BANNED FROM KEEPING DOGS AFTER STARVING PET
A WOMAN has been banned from looking after dogs for five years after admitting leaving her pet so starved and infected it could have died.Elizabeth McLeod pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate care and treatment to her dog, Cody, for two months between April 1 and June 1 of last year.
The 41-year-old appeared again for sentencing last Thursday, January 31, at Alloa Sheriff Court where her lawyer, Jim Savage, said there is “work to be done” with his client.
Back in December the depute fiscal described an inspection carried out by the SSPCA at McLeod’s home following a tip-off.
The inspection revealed Cody was incredibly thin, with her rib cage, spine, and pelvic bones visible, and she was in a foul-smelling crate with urine and faecal stains, no food or water bowl.
McLeod confirmed she owned the dog for two years without vet visits.
Veterinary examinations showed Cody was emaciated with a body condition score of 1 out of 9, about 30% underweight, with depleted fat stores.
She also suffered from a bacterial womb infection, was treated with medication, and had to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries and womb to prevent death from septicaemia.
All her puppies have been rehomed.
Sheriff David Mackie sentenced her to 12 months supervision and banned her from owning dogs for five years.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Seddon emphasized that McLeod caused unnecessary suffering by neglect, with Cody being in a critically ill state, and praised the court's decision.
Cody has made a full recovery and is in a forever home.
The court's action sends a message that owning animals is a privilege, not a right.
