A woman who caused unnecessary suffering to her dogs, has been given a community payback order, supervised for a year.
Lynda Munro, from Glasgow, pled guilty to failing to provide a suitable diet for her dogs Poppy, a black crossbreed aged seven-years-old and Skye, a one-year-old tan coloured crossbreed which ultimately led to their severely emaciated states and the omission of veterinary investigation and pain relief for both dogs’ clearly debilitating conditions.
Munro pled guilty on 31 March at Glasgow Sheriff Court to three charges of causing the dogs unnecessary suffering. She was sentenced at the same court on Monday 28 April.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector reported: “We responded to a complaint of dog abandonment made to the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline. The complainer, who was the accused Lynda Munro, said that there were three dogs who had been left unattended for at least three days. She had lived at the address and owned the dogs but would not be returning due to fear of domestic abuse.
“She stated that she had left the dogs in the care of her partner but had since been informed that he had also left the address and that the dogs were now left unattended.
“We attended the address, and a neighbour confirmed she had not seen anybody at the property and that she knew there were three dogs inside, two of which that were locked in a crate, and would have no access to food or water.
“On entering the property, we could hear a dog growling in the living room area. A tan coloured, male, Shar Pei cross type dog was on the sofa, with an obvious skin condition – even from a distance patches of hair loss, and red, sore skin underneath could be seen.
“This dog, called Broxy, appeared to be terrified.
“Inside were two severely emaciated dogs. One was a longhaired black female crossbreed named Poppy, and the other a tan female crossbreed named Skye. Despite Poppy’s long coat, her extreme weight loss was unmistakable—her hip and shoulder bones jutted out prominently.
“Skye’s condition was even more shocking; every bone in her body was clearly visible, with no fat or muscle covering her frame at all.
“Both dogs appeared terrified, standing in their own filth. There was no food or water available to them.
“On opening the crate, Poppy ran out, clearly desperate for attention and comfort. She was placed on a lead and secured.
“Skye appeared absolutely petrified and refused to leave the crate, frozen in fear. It took considerable time and gentle coaxing to get her out and onto a lead. Even then, it was painfully clear she was terrified of and completely unfamiliar with anything outside the cramped confines of the crate she had been trapped in.
“The dogs were then taken to receive immediate veterinary care.
“Poppy endured unnecessary suffering from inadequate nutrition, untreated dental issues, and a complete disregard for her need for proper exercise. Skye’s suffering was caused by inadequate feeding, as well as neglecting her essential needs for exercise and socialisation.
“All of the dogs had severely overgrown nails, suggesting they hadn’t been walked or exercised in many months.
“We transported the dogs to one of our Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre for ongoing treatment.
“We are disappointed with the sentencing. These dogs were left in horrible conditions for a period of time without their basic welfare needs being met.”
