WARNING: This article contains graphic images.
A man has been handed a lifetime ban from owning or keeping a dog after being convicted of an animal welfare offence.
Andrew McLaughlin was sentenced at Greenock Sheriff Court after failing to properly feed his dog and to seek veterinary attention for a worm infestation – leading to her death.
McLaughlin was also handed a Community Payback Order and a restriction of liberty order for 46 weeks, as well as being placed under supervision for 12 months.
In December 2024, a job came into the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline after a dead dog was handed into a Glasgow vet practice.
The vet who was on shift at the time sent a series of images over to the Scottish SPCA, depicting a dog in which every rib, hip and part of her spine was visible.
There appeared to be no fat or muscle on the dog’s body. On examination of the dog, now known as Luna, the vet concluded that she weighed 10.5kg when her average weight is expected to be 23kg as per The Kennel Club breed standard.
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The vet also noted that a dog in this emaciated condition would be significantly suffering and it is expected that any owner would be able to identify that an animal in this condition required veterinary attention.
Two Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA attended the property in Port Glasgow.
On arrival, there was no reply so a card was placed through the letterbox requesting the owner, Andrew McLaughlin, to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline.
McLaughlin responded and a visit was arranged for later that day.
The inspectors returned to the property and were met by McLaughlin, who invited them in to the living room.
McLaughlin was interviewed, in which he explained that he had tried to feed Luna up as she had been losing weight for about a month and a half.
The Scottish SPCA obtained previous veterinary history for Luna, which showed that she was taken to the vet in October 2021 for an ear infection and received treatment.
At this time, she weighed 21.4kg. In October 2024, McLaughlin called and asked for an estimate for euthanasia as she had lost weight.
McLaughlin gave permission for a post mortem to be carried out on the body of Luna to determine what caused her death.
The vet concluded that Luna had suffered from starvation, which is supported by the presence of undigested food in her stomach proving that she wanted to and was able to consume food.
It was noted that Luna had an infection due to the consumption of slugs and/or snails or drinking water frequented by infected slugs/snails, in the absence of available food.
The vet said that Luna was subjected to unnecessary pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “This was a case of gross neglect by McLaughlin. If Luna had received prompt vet attention when McLaughlin called the vet back in October 2024, it is possible that she could have made a full recovery or at the very least if she was euthanised, she would not have been subjected to prolonged suffering.
“Luna died from her owner’s failure to seek vet attention and provide her with adequate nutrition, causing her to suffer for around two months prior to her death.
“This was a truly heartbreaking outcome but we are glad that justice has been achieved for Luna.”
To report a concern of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website.
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