EMILY FRIEL FROM ARDROSSAN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG ABBEY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Ardrossan, Emily Louise Friel, also known by her previous surname Beattie, was found guilty of severe neglect towards her pet dog, Abbey. Born in 1966 and residing on Montgomerie Street, Friel’s actions led to the suffering and eventual death of her animal companion, prompting a criminal investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

Friel admitted to causing unnecessary pain and distress to Abbey, a dog that had been allowed to become extremely matted and dangerously underweight. The neglect was only uncovered after Abbey’s death when Friel took her remains to a veterinary clinic for cremation. Concerned by the dog’s condition, the veterinary staff contacted the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), which launched an investigation into the case.

Upon examination, the Scottish SPCA’s chief inspector, Laura McIntyre, described the shocking state of Abbey’s body. She recounted that the dog’s remains were found inside a large cardboard box, and it was difficult to recognize her as a dog at first glance. McIntyre explained, “The dog’s body had been folded into a large cardboard box. It was not immediately apparent upon opening the box that the animal was a dog, as 90 percent of the body’s fur was extremely matted.”

She detailed the extent of the neglect: “Abbey’s legs were as thick as tree trunks, and there was pus seeping from one of her hind legs. The legs were only identifiable from a single overgrown claw protruding through the matted fur. Her paws and pads were completely covered in matted fur and what appeared to be faeces. The rear end of the dog was also severely matted, which would have prevented her from passing urine or faeces normally. Any waste would have been absorbed into her coat, causing her to lie in her own excrement.”

McIntyre further emphasized the severity of Abbey’s condition, stating, “Abbey was also in extremely poor body condition and very underweight for her size and breed. This level of extreme matting would not have developed overnight, indicating she had been suffering in this state for some time.”

The investigation concluded with Friel being sentenced to a £600 fine and a five-year ban on owning dogs, which will expire in October 2025. The authorities expressed their hope that Friel would reflect on her responsibilities and reconsider her ability to care for animals in the future. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Ardrossan community.