A Scots woman has been slapped with 90 hours of unpaid work after causing the unnecessary suffering of a 'malnourished and emaciated' two-year-old dog.
Katie Margaret Lynch was also given a six-month supervision order at Banff Sheriff Court on Wednesday June 28 for neglecting the lurcher and failing to provide it with a suitable diet. A Scottish SPCA probe was launched after the dog, Dexter, was discovered roaming the street in March 2022, and a concerned member of the public called the charity's helpline.
The dog was found to have been severely neglected to such an extent that his bones were visible. After an appeal several members of the public came forward and named the owner as the 32-year-old from Banff.
Lynch pled guilty at the same court on May 9, but initially claimed the animal belonged to her ex-partner and she was unaware he had been left in her back garden.
Scottish SPCA senior inspector Lesley Crockett said: “We were first alerted to Dexter the lurcher on March 6, 2022 after a member of the public contacted our helpline claiming to have found him straying between Buckie and Keith.
“We collected Dexter and took him for veterinary examination. He was found to be extremely malnourished and emaciated. His bones were visible and he had lost an extreme amount of muscle mass.
“The vet could find no physical reason that would prevent Dexter from eating or putting on weight and, although he weighed just 15.6kg when he came into our care, by the time he was rehomed on May 1, 2022 he had reached a healthy 26.6kg.
“The vet estimated his condition would have been the result of at least a couple of months of inadequate nutrition.
“The Society put out an appeal in the press and on social media to try and find out if anyone recognised Dexter or knew who he belonged to. As a result of that appeal, several members of the public came forward and identified Katie Margaret Lynch as his owner.
“A relative confirmed that Dexter had been kept at the premises at Bogroy Crescent, and there was a large kennel and dog run in the garden.
“Lynch claimed the dog belonged to her ex-partner who she had last seen two or three months prior and that she was unaware if Dexter had been left behind in her garden. She claimed never to have heard the dog barking and thought her ex-partner had taken him away or sold him.
“We’re pleased that Lynch has received a sentence for the suffering she caused to Dexter. We hope she will seriously consider her ability to care for any animal in future.
“If anyone is concerned about the welfare of an animal they can call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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