ZARA BROWN AND THE HORRORS OF AYRSHIRE ARK: PATNA'S CRUELTY REVEALED

Zara Brown, also known by her aliases Zara Prentice and Zara Rooney, was born on June 1, 1988, and is a resident of New Cottages, Patna, Ayr, with the postcode KA6 7JF. Her name became infamous following allegations of severe cruelty and neglect towards animals under her care at her rehoming charity, Ayrshire Ark. The case uncovered a disturbing pattern of animal abuse, resulting in the deaths of 15 dogs and one cat, alongside the suffering of many more animals.

Brown’s failure to provide basic necessities such as adequate food and water to the animals in her custody was a central aspect of the charges. Instead of caring for the animals properly, she abandoned them in a dilapidated primary school building that was completely unfit for habitation. The premises, located in Patna, was found to be filthy, dark, and abandoned, with no lighting or proper facilities. Several animals were left to die within the building, and some carcasses were stored in a chest freezer, a grim testament to her neglect.

Scottish SPCA inspectors arrived at the scene to find a scene of unimaginable horror. The investigation revealed a total of 16 deceased pets—15 dogs and one cat—many of whom showed signs of untreated injuries and illnesses, including broken bones, arthritis, ear and paw infections, pressure sores, and ulcers. The fate of several dogs believed to be in her care remains unknown, as Brown has refused to disclose what happened to them, leaving their former owners distraught and desperate for answers.

This case was initially brought to public attention through a photo montage published by the now-defunct Pet Abuse UK Facebook page. Some of the animals involved, including a dog named Chief, have since been rehomed and are reported to be safe and well, thanks to the efforts of the Scottish SPCA. However, the whereabouts and condition of many others who passed through Brown’s so-called sanctuary remain a mystery.

In August 2017, Zara Brown appeared before Ayr Sheriff Court to face charges related to her treatment of the animals. Deputy fiscal Jason Bell described the scene encountered by Scottish SPCA inspectors during their investigation. The inspectors had been called to the Ayrshire Ark shelter after reports that a Presa Canario cross named Ozzy was found dead on the floor. The sanctuary was housed in a derelict schoolhouse in Patna, which was in a state of severe disrepair.

Access to the premises was delayed for four hours because Brown was not present, and her partner, Gary Rooney, who co-owns the building, claimed not to have the keys. During this period, welfare officials observed through a window that Ozzy was lying dead on the floor, and other dogs appeared to be in poor health. One particularly emaciated dog was seen standing in its own filth, without access to food or water, in a cloakroom area. The inspectors also saw two large bulldog-type dogs roaming freely in the corridor, seemingly in poor condition, and a large dog in a former classroom that appeared lifeless and underweight.

Brown eventually appeared at the scene around 11 pm, allowing authorities inside. The inspectors described the overwhelming stench of feces and urine as they navigated the unlit, dilapidated building. Inside, they discovered a cage containing a dog and a chest freezer holding seven dead dogs and a dead cat. The lifeless dog seen earlier was no longer in sight, with drag marks indicating it had been moved. Additional animals, including two underweight dogs and a weak dog struggling to stand in a toilet area, were found in various parts of the building. One dog, identified by Brown as Bruce, was found dead behind a door.

The inspection revealed that the living conditions for the animals were woefully inadequate, with poor cleanliness and evident suffering. Nine dogs were subsequently signed over to the Scottish SPCA and taken to their veterinary clinic in Glasgow. These animals were found to be malnourished and suffering from various health issues, including inflammation of the ears and feet. One dog, a bulldog named Primo, had to be euthanized due to the severity of his condition.

Attempts to interview Brown on December 29, 2017, were unsuccessful, as she failed to appear. It was also revealed that she had a prior conviction for VAT fraud. Brown faced nine charges related to neglect, including failing to properly feed and treat her animals, which resulted in malnutrition, weight loss, infections, and ulcers. Her defense lawyer, Euan Cameron, pleaded for her to avoid jail time, citing her responsibilities as a mother of four. However, Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

Following her sentencing, Scottish SPCA inspector Leanne McPake expressed her distress, stating, “This case was particularly harrowing and will stay with us for a long time.” As of late 2018, Brown was believed to be residing in Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway, with the postcode DG7. She was sentenced to seven months in jail and received a lifetime ban from owning or caring for animals.

This case garnered coverage from multiple outlets, including the Daily Record and The Sun, highlighting the severity of animal cruelty committed by Zara Brown in Patna, Ayrshire, and the ongoing concern for the welfare of animals in her care.