KEVIN BARTLEY FROM CLYDEBANK FACES FINE AFTER NEGLECTING STORM WITH CHRONIC SKIN CONDITION

Kevin Bartley, born on October 25, 1992, and residing at Darwin Place in Clydebank G81 4LE, was found guilty of neglecting his dog, Storm, by failing to seek necessary veterinary care for her persistent and painful skin condition. The case highlights a tragic episode of animal neglect that ultimately led to Storm being euthanized on welfare grounds due to her severe health deterioration.

According to court records, Bartley admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Storm by neglecting her ongoing medical needs. The dog, which had been in his care since she was 16 months old, was suffering from a chronic skin ailment that caused her significant pain, distress, and relentless itching. Despite the evident severity of her condition, Bartley failed to provide her with the appropriate veterinary treatment for weeks, allowing her condition to worsen to the point where her quality of life was irreparably compromised.

Storm’s suffering persisted for several weeks, during which she was left untreated, until her condition became so critical that euthanasia was deemed the only humane option. The decision to put her to sleep was made on welfare grounds, reflecting the extent of her suffering and the failure of her owner to act in her best interests.

During the court proceedings, Bartley's solicitor explained that he was living with his partner at the time and that both of them shared responsibility for caring for Storm. The solicitor stated, “It was both him and his partner who cared for [Storm]. The skin condition came to light and both him and his partner were giving her medication.” The defense also highlighted that Bartley had grown up in a household with dogs and that he had previously owned a dog with his former partner, suggesting he might consider having a family dog in the future, although he was not contemplating that at present.

He further explained that Storm had been in his possession from the age of 16 months and, apart from the neglect over a six-week period, she was generally a healthy and well-cared-for dog. Bartley told investigators that he had been applying Diprobase cream to Storm, but admitted he was not administering the correct medication prescribed for her condition.

Photographs of Storm in healthier times were presented during the case, illustrating the stark contrast to her condition at the time of her euthanasia. The images underscored the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of proper veterinary care.

In sentencing, the sheriff expressed that a fine was an appropriate punishment, stating, “I’m not persuaded I need to make a disqualification because the omission was for a short period of time when in a difficult personal situation.” The court decided on a fine of £250, with no disqualification from owning animals.

Following the case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Jen Connolly commented, “We respect the decisions of the courts and appreciate there are many factors taken into account when passing sentence, however we are disappointed in the sentence handed to Bartley. Storm’s condition could have been easily controlled by veterinary treatment which Bartley failed to provide. We hope that Bartley will give serious consideration about his suitability to care for other animals in the future.”