KATIE LYNCH'S HORRIFIC NEGLECT OF PORTKNOCKIE DOG LEADS TO COURT SENTENCE

Katie Margaret Lynch, born on July 28, 1991, and formerly residing at Bogroy Crescent, Cornhill, Banff, now living at 1 Wood Place, Portknockie, Buckie AB56 4NJ, faced serious allegations after her failure to care for her ex-partner's dog, Dexter. The case drew significant attention when it was revealed that Lynch had neglected the animal to the point of severe starvation, leaving him in a dire state of malnutrition.

According to court records and statements from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), Lynch admitted to inspectors that she had no involvement in caring for Dexter following her breakup with her partner. She claimed that she believed her eight-year-old daughter was responsible for feeding the dog, assuming that her child was taking care of him. This assumption was made despite the fact that Lynch had not personally attended to Dexter for months.

When a veterinarian examined Dexter, the results were shocking. The dog, a lurcher, weighed only 15 kilograms, whereas the typical weight for his breed ranges from 25 to 28 kilograms. The vet assigned Dexter a body condition score of 0 out of 9, a rating reserved for cases of extreme skeletal malnutrition. Dexter’s condition was so severe that it was described as “skeletal,” and he was on the brink of death.

Fortunately, Dexter’s life was saved thanks to the intervention of Lynch’s mother, who contacted the SSPCA and falsely claimed that the dog was a stray. The SSPCA responded promptly, collected Dexter, and took him to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. The veterinary assessment confirmed that Dexter had been suffering from months of neglect and malnutrition. The charity launched a public appeal with photographs of Dexter in his emaciated state to help locate his owner.

Multiple tip-offs from the public pointed to Lynch as the owner, and authorities visited her residence. During the inspection, they found Lynch had two other dogs—a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Schnauzer—both of which were in good health and enjoying ample space in her garden, complete with a large run and kennel. Lynch was questioned about Dexter’s ownership and care. She denied owning the dog, claiming that he belonged to her ex-partner, and insisted she had not been responsible for feeding him.

When asked whether she had fed Dexter herself, Lynch responded: “I think my daughter did. She kept sneaking out with food,” and added that she was “too busy with the break-up” to check on the dog’s wellbeing. Ultimately, Lynch signed Dexter over to the SSPCA, who then spent two months nursing him back to health. After a period of intensive care and proper feeding, Dexter was successfully rehomed to a caring family.

In court, Lynch pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Her defense lawyer, Stephen Carty, explained that her mental health issues at the time played a role in her actions. Carty stated, “She was somewhat aware the dog was there,” and emphasized that the breakup had a significant impact on her mental state. He added, “The end of the relationship has probably been a positive thing for Miss Lynch,” and suggested that her former partner had left Dexter at the house after their separation.

During the hearing, Carty also mentioned that Lynch believed her responsibility for the dog’s care was not hers but her ex-partner’s. He expressed regret on her behalf, noting that if she had contacted the SSPCA, help would have been available. Carty referenced psychiatric reports indicating that Lynch’s mental health was poor and that she had endured considerable personal suffering. He described her actions as “out of character” and highlighted that she had recently moved back in with her mother, who was providing her with support.

Sheriff Robert McDonald, who reviewed photographs of Dexter at his thinnest, described the images and the body score as “shocking.” While acknowledging Lynch’s personal circumstances at the time, the sheriff stated that these factors did not justify her neglect. He noted that he would normally consider imposing a disqualification order for keeping animals but trusted that the SSPCA would have intervened if there had been concerns about her other two dogs.

Lesley Crocket, a senior inspector with the SSPCA, expressed her disappointment that Lynch was not banned from owning animals. She explained that Lynch claimed Dexter belonged to her ex-partner, whom she last saw two or three months prior, and that she was unaware if the dog had been left behind or taken away. Crocket added, “We’re pleased that Lynch has received a sentence for the suffering she caused to Dexter. However, it’s disappointing that she has not received a ban on keeping animals in this case.”

As a result of the court proceedings, Lynch was sentenced to 90 hours of unpaid work and a six-month supervision order. No ban or deprivation order was imposed, leaving her free to potentially own animals again in the future. The case garnered coverage from local and national media outlets, including the Press & Journal, STV News, and the Daily Record, highlighting the severity of animal neglect and the importance of accountability.