SCOTTISH SPCA CRITICIZES LENIENT SENTENCE FOR PATRICIA O’DONNELL AND BRYAN SMITH INVOLVING ANIMAL NEGLECT NEAR AIRDRIE

Patricia O’Donnell, also known as Claire O’Donnell, born on December 29, 1987, and her fiancé Bryan Smith, born November 9, 1982, both residing on Kennelburn Road, Chapelhall, near Airdrie ML6 8TG, were convicted in 2022 for neglecting their pets. The couple left their Labrador to deteriorate to a state described as ‘skin and bones’ and failed to provide necessary veterinary care for their elderly Shih Tzu, resulting in her suffering and eventual euthanasia.

Despite their cruelty, the Scottish court made an unusual decision: neither Smith nor O’Donnell was banned from owning animals, and the pair already have acquired a new puppy since their conviction.

As parents, O’Donnell and Smith owned two dogs. When Scottish SPCA officers visited their home in April 2021, one dog was found severely emaciated, and the other was gravely ill. Smith pleaded guilty to neglecting his Romanian rescue dog, Luna, who appeared extremely underweight, with her hips, spine, and ribs visibly protruding, and who was very timid and cowered when approached. Luna was quickly taken into the SSPCA’s care, gained weight, and was successfully rehomed.

O’Donnell admitted guilt for neglecting her elderly dog, Millie, who suffered from dental disease and tumors in her ears. Millie’s condition was so severe that she had to be humanely euthanised to end her suffering.

O’Donnell was fined £250, while Smith received a 12-month supervision order and was ordered to complete 75 hours of unpaid work. Both owners were not prohibited from keeping animals.

Millie, the elderly Shih Tzu, had been neglected to the point of suffering significantly, which led to her being put to sleep. The Scottish SPCA’s Chief Inspector, John Chisholm, commented: “We attended the property in April 2021 following complaints to our animal helpline of dog neglect. The reports described a Labrador cross who was extremely underweight and often cowered—described by one caller as ‘skin and bone’ with her back end protruding.”

Chisholm further explained: “O’Donnell told us Luna was a Romanian rescue and that they were working to get her to a healthy weight. Upon seeing Luna, we were immediately concerned as she was severely emaciated, with her hips, spine, and ribs prominently protruding.” He noted that O’Donnell claimed Luna had seen a vet and received dietary advice but couldn’t recall the details, and her story changed multiple times.

Concern for Millie’s welfare led to her being examined under anesthesia, revealing her ears were filled with tumors and coated with thick black wax. Veterinary professionals advised that her prognosis was poor but that she could be kept comfortable with medication. Millie’s suffering was considered extreme, and she was euthanised.

The SSPCA also expressed their frustration with what they see as leniency in the punishment. Inspector Chisholm stated: “Both dogs were taken into our care. Luna made a full recovery and has been rehomed to a loving family. Millie was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice due to underlying health conditions. It is extremely disappointing that, considering the suffering caused, a harsher sentence was not imposed. O’Donnell and Smith demonstrated they could not care for their animals appropriately, and we would have hoped this was reflected in a ban on owning animals.”