NHS DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY CHAIRMAN RESIGNS OVER ANIMAL NEGLECT CONVICTION
Michael Keggans, who was the chairman of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, resigned from his role after being convicted of animal neglect.He was fined £900 and received a ban from keeping pets for five years.
Keggans admitted to leaving his 12-year-old golden retriever, Millie, unattended at his house in Thornhill in March of the previous year, without sufficient food and water.
The health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that vice-chairman Andrew Johnston would step in as acting chairman until a new appointment is made.
"I can confirm that I have accepted Mike Keggans' resignation as chairman of Dumfries and Galloway health board, with effect from today," she said.
"The vice chair will now act as chair while the process to recruit a new chair, which was due to get underway later this year, is carried out." Mr Keggans was sentenced at Dumfries Sheriff Court last week, with his solicitor explaining that he had a demanding job and often spent more time away from home than planned.
However, the sheriff criticized him, stating that "a man in his position should organise his affairs" so as not to leave a pet unattended.
The Scottish SPCA also commented that Mr Keggans should have had enough foresight to provide adequately for his dog's needs.
