HEATHER STOTT OF DUNDEE SHAMES ANIMAL WELFARE WITH CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG DOUCAL

Heather Stott, born on August 5, 1958, and residing at 3C Court Street in Dundee, has been involved in a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community. The incident revolves around her neglect and abandonment of her elderly pet dog, Dougal, a pointer crossbreed, who suffered immensely due to her actions.

For nearly a month, Stott failed to provide any care or treatment for Dougal, who was suffering from severe emaciation, dehydration, and dental disease. The neglect was so severe that the dog was left to endure these conditions without intervention, leading to a state of extreme suffering. The culmination of her neglect was the decision to dispose of Dougal in a manner that can only be described as heinous.

On April 14, 2016, just yards from her home on Dundonald Street in Dundee, Heather Stott took the tragic step of abandoning her dog in a commercial wheelie bin. The location of the disposal was notably close to her residence, raising questions about her intent and awareness of the cruelty involved. The dog was discovered alive by a member of the public who was passing by. The individual found Dougal in a dire state—severely malnourished, unable to stand, and partially concealed inside a black bag. The sight of the suffering animal prompted immediate action.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) was contacted, and their inspector responded swiftly. Upon investigation, the inspector confirmed the dog’s condition was critical. Dougal was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where the attending veterinarian concluded that the only humane course of action was to euthanize him to prevent further suffering. The charity described the act of abandoning Dougal as “despicable” and “unthinkably cruel,” emphasizing the severity of the neglect and the callousness of the disposal.

During the legal proceedings, Heather Stott’s solicitor claimed that she believed Dougal was already dead when she discarded him. This assertion was part of her defense, but the evidence and her own admissions painted a different picture. Stott pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, acknowledging her responsibility for causing unnecessary suffering to Dougal between March 19 and April 15, 2016. She admitted that her neglect led to the dog’s emaciation, dehydration, and dental issues, and that her actions on April 14 and 15—specifically abandoning him in Dundonald Street and Wolsley Street—were likely to cause him further suffering.

Furthermore, she confessed to abandoning Dougal in an industrial waste bin without access to food or water, with no means of escape, which compounded his distress. Her sister, Norma Stott, aged 71 and also of Court Street in Dundee, had her plea of not guilty accepted earlier in the proceedings.

Prosecutor Trina Sinclair noted that Heather Stott had no prior convictions, which may have influenced the court’s considerations. Defense lawyer Theo Finlay explained that Heather had inherited Dougal from her son approximately four years earlier. The dog was then around 16 or 17 years old, and her actions were driven by her belief that she was disposing of a deceased animal. Finlay detailed that Dougal had developed a benign obstruction preventing proper nutrition and suffered from renal problems, which contributed to his dehydration. He emphasized that Heather believed the dog had died and expressed that she has shown increasing remorse for her actions.

In court, the sheriff acknowledged that Heather Stott likely did not intend for the events to unfold as they did. However, he made it clear that neglecting a dog’s welfare is unacceptable and that the message must be clear that such treatment is not permissible under any circumstances. The sheriff’s comments underscored the seriousness of the case and the importance of animal welfare laws.

Following the rescue, Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector John Carle recounted the harrowing details of Dougal’s discovery. An inspector had to climb into the large metal bin to retrieve the dog, who was found at the bottom, wrapped in a black bag and wearing a nylon collar. The inspector speculated that Dougal was likely abandoned late on a Thursday night or in the early hours of Friday morning, during darkness. The dog’s age—estimated between 10 and 12 years—was also a factor, as older animals are often abandoned due to perceived inconvenience or neglect.

Dougal’s suffering was evident, and his fear and distress at the time of discovery were palpable. The case concluded with Heather Stott receiving a community payback order requiring her to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she was banned from keeping animals indefinitely, a measure intended to prevent any future cruelty or neglect.

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of vigilance within communities to protect vulnerable animals from such inhumane treatment.