CONVICTION OF LIZ-ANNE AND ANTHONY CONWAY IN ALEXANDRIA FOR ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENCES

Liz-Anne Conway, whose age is currently unconfirmed, and Anthony Conway, also known as Anthony Lacey, born on 17 September 1994, both residing on Napierston Road, Alexandria G83 9EP, have been convicted in 2025 for animal welfare offences. The couple, who are married, pleaded guilty to neglect related to their three dogs: a six-year-old black French Bulldog named Raven, and two one-year-old French Bulldog/Bichon Frise crossbreeds, Blitz and Gypsy.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) responded to a report of concern from a member of the public in March 2024, prompting an inspection of their property. The report indicated a foul smell emanating from the residence and suggested that there may have been four dogs inside, one of which had died. It was also noted that the remaining dogs were not taken outside for exercise.

An SPCA inspector arrived at the address and was greeted by Anthony Conway, who was at the door caring for the dogs on behalf of their owner, Liz-Anne Conway. The inspector recounted, “We explained there had been a complaint regarding dogs within the property. The man was Anthony Conway, and he was looking after the dogs at the property on behalf of their owner, whom he named as Liz-Anne Conway.”

The inspector observed a strong odor of urine and faeces upon entering. Three dogs ran into the hall from the kitchen, which was heavily soiled with both urine and waste. The environment was so unhygienic that no area was suitable for the dogs to stand or lie down. Inside a small dog cage, there was a soiled blanket, and a plastic dog bed was used to store a large bag of dog food. An empty water bowl sat on the floor, and the odor throughout the kitchen was overwhelming.

The inspector expressed serious concerns about the dogs’ welfare and decided to remove them immediately for their safety, transporting them to an SPCA rescue and rehoming centre for care.

Veterinary assessments revealed significant health problems. Blitz and Gypsy had multiple abrasions and scrapes, while Raven was suffering from an untreated and painful ear condition that had gone unaddressed for at least two months. The vet concluded that all three dogs endured considerable physical and mental suffering due to their living conditions, which lacked adequate food, water, resting spaces, and proper toileting arrangements over an extended period.

Anthony Conway admitted to neglecting Raven by failing to seek veterinary treatment. Meanwhile, Liz-Anne Conway accepted responsibility for neglecting the dogs’ living environment, which was hazardous and filthy, contributing to their suffering for at least two weeks.

A Scottish SPCA spokesperson commented, “We are pleased with the sentencing. The suffering endured by all three dogs was both unnecessary and avoidable. Their basic needs—for a consistent diet, clean water, and veterinary care—were not met. This sentence recognises the seriousness of that neglect.”

The court sentenced the couple to a £250 fine and a £20 victim surcharge. Additionally, they received a three-year ban on owning dogs, which will expire in May 2028.