FRANCES COOKE OBAN DOG CRUELTY CASE: LIFETIME BAN AND COMMUNITY SENTENCE

In a deeply troubling case that has shocked the residents of Oban, Frances Cooke, also known as Ellen Frances, was convicted in 2014 for her role in the severe neglect and starvation of a beloved family dog. Born in August 1984, Cooke resided at Scalpay Terrace, Oban PA34 4YH, where she was found responsible for the tragic suffering of a five-year-old black Labrador named Bree.

Between August and December 2013, Cooke failed to provide the basic necessities of life—adequate food and water—to Bree. The neglect culminated in a heartbreaking incident on December 6, 2013, when Bree was found in a state of extreme distress and collapsed in agony. Recognizing her suffering, Cooke took Bree to the Oban Veterinary Surgery, claiming she had found the dog wandering in the Soroba area of the town. During the examination, the veterinary staff observed Bree was semi-conscious, with her ribs and pelvis clearly visible, indicating severe malnutrition. The dog was crying out in pain and distress, and the veterinary team concluded that the kindest course of action was to euthanize her to end her suffering.

Following this tragic event, Scottish SPCA inspectors traced Cooke to her home on December 11, 2013. When they arrived, she was overwhelmed with emotion and admitted ownership of Bree. Her defense lawyer, Jane Thomson, explained that Cooke, a mother of two, had begun neglecting the dog in August 2013 following the breakup of her 11-year relationship with her partner. Thomson stated, “The dog was bought as a puppy as a family pet five years ago. She looked after it along with her children and partner for four-and-a-half years. The catalyst seems to be the end of her 11-year relationship with her partner.”

Thomson further revealed that at the time of the neglect, Cooke was suffering from depression and was living in a mental state described as a “bubble,” which included her and her children. She spent minimal time at her property, as it reminded her of her failed relationship, leaving Bree at home unattended. Cooke’s situation was compounded by the emotional toll she was experiencing, which led to her neglect of the dog. The case also drew attention to the fact that Cooke had received hate mail and had to involve the police due to the distress caused by the incident.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Douglas Small addressed the court and the community’s outrage, stating, “This is an extremely distressing case and it has caused considerable outrage in the local community as I am sure you are aware. A number of people have written to the sheriff clerk’s office about the case expressing their outrage. Your neglect of this animal caused it to starve to death in great pain and it had to be put to sleep.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector Iain Allan expressed his support for the sentence, emphasizing the importance of preventing future suffering. “We welcome the sentence passed to Frances Cooke following our investigation. In our opinion, a lifetime ban is the only way to prevent other dogs suffering in her care.”

As part of her punishment, Cooke was sentenced to 160 hours of unpaid community service and was disqualified for life from owning or keeping any dog. Her current residence is reported to be at 2 Stewart Way, Dunbeg, Oban PA37 1AL, where she is also believed to have four cats. This case remains a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the Oban area.