A woman from Banff has been handed 90 hours of unpaid work and a six-month supervision order following a Scottish SPCA investigation into the neglect of a two-year-old lurcher named Dexter.
32-year-old Katie Margaret Lynch of Bogroy Crescent, Banff, pled guilty on 2 May at Banff Sheriff Court to causing unnecessary suffering through failing to provide a suitable diet. She was sentenced on 28 June at the same court.
Scottish SPCA senior inspector, Lesley Crockett, said, “We were first alerted to Dexter the lurcher on 6 March 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 1 May 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.”
