RICHARD AND LESLEY REYNOLDS OF GRANGE FACE JUSTICE OVER DOG'S SUFFERING

In a case that has shocked the local community of Grange, Richard Duncan Reynolds, born around 1966, and his wife Lesley Reynolds, also known as Lesley Davies and born circa 1963, faced serious legal consequences after neglecting their ailing pet dog. The Reynolds, residents of Sillyearn Schoolhouse in Grange, Keith, Banffshire, with the postal code AB55 6TL, were found guilty of failing to seek veterinary care for their dog, a 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Patch.

Patch was suffering from a multitude of untreated health issues, which included severe chronic dental disease, a significant infestation of ear mites, mitral valve disease, suspected renal problems, and a notably low body condition score. The neglect was so severe that the dog was left in a state of considerable pain and distress for several months. The extent of his suffering was evident to veterinary professionals, who determined that the dog’s condition had deteriorated to the point where humane euthanasia was deemed necessary.

According to court reports, Patch’s dental health was particularly alarming, with extensive tartar buildup on his molars that caused his gums to recede. The veterinarian’s examination revealed that the dog was in a state of emaciation, weighing only four and a half kilograms—significantly below the typical weight range of six to eight kilograms for a male Cavalier King Charles spaniel. The dog was also found to be unclean, depressed, and nearly collapsed when brought in for assessment. Veterinarians discovered that Patch had at least six matted lumps of feces attached to various parts of his body, further highlighting the neglect he had endured.

Additional medical examinations showed that Patch had a grade three to four pansystolic heart murmur, indicating serious heart issues, and signs of keratitis, which would have caused him considerable eye pain. The findings suggested that these health problems did not develop overnight but had been ongoing for a long period, causing Patch significant discomfort and suffering.

Following a post-mortem examination, it was confirmed that Patch had suffered from severe chronic dental disease, ear mites, mitral valve disease, suspected renal disease, and a low body condition score, all indicative of long-term neglect. The Scottish SPCA inspector Amanda Watson described the case, stating, “Sadly the difficult decision was made by a vet to put Patch to sleep to end his suffering. Patch was unclean, depressed and almost collapsed when we took him to be examined by a vet. He had at least six lumps of matted faeces attached to various parts of his body. He was in an emaciated body condition and weighed just four and a half kilos. The average weight of a male cavalier King Charles spaniel usually ranges from six to eight kilos.”

Watson further explained, “On top of this, Patch had a grade three to four pansystolic heart murmur, a considerable amount of tartar covering his molars and pre molars causing his gums to recede, and gave no indication that he had any sight. Upon further examination of his eyes, his reactions were consistent with having keratitis which would have caused Patch a lot of pain. These issues did not appear overnight and poor Patch would have been caused a considerable amount of discomfort and pain over a long period of time.”

The court heard that the neglect was not an isolated incident, with comments on Facebook suggesting that the Reynolds had previously neglected other dogs in their care. In sentencing, Richard Reynolds was fined £480, while his wife Lesley was admonished. Importantly, no ban on keeping animals was imposed by the court, despite the evident neglect and suffering inflicted upon Patch.

Animal welfare advocates expressed disappointment that both Reynolds were not prohibited from owning animals in the future, emphasizing the disregard shown for Patch’s well-being. They hope this case serves as a warning to others about the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary intervention.