A couple from Brechin have been handed a 10-year ban on keeping, owning and taking charge of any animals following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
They have also been given an 18-month supervision order and sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.
John and Cynthia Sewart of Chapelton of Menmuir, Brechin, pled guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to their animals at Forfar Sheriff Court on 12 January 2023.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Karen Cooper, said, “On 28 February 2022, we attended the property of John and Cynthia Stewart following a call to our helpline about the poor condition of a dog and two cats. The caller stated the dog was missing fur, limping and potentially bleeding from their back leg. They also said one of the cats was coughing and both were matted.
“On arrival we found a 17-year-old male border collie cross dog, Ben, who had almost no hair and whose spine and ribs were clearly showing. Two cats, both aged seven years old and named Ruff and Tumble, were also at the property. The males were both suffering from sore and irritated skin and had significant hair loss.
“The extremely poor condition of the animals resulted in them being immediately removed from the property out of concern for their welfare.
“Ben, Ruff and Tumble were then examined by a veterinary surgeon who concluded that all animals had been caused unnecessary suffering.
“Ben was found to be severely emaciated with a heavy flea infestation. The resulting itching had caused multiple lesions throughout his skin and an open wound on his left hind leg, through which the femur could be seen. He also had extremely overgrown nails, with some having grown into his pads.
“Tumble also had a flea infestation, resulting in excessive itching and multiple lesions to the skin. He was also found to have a bladder condition which prevented him from urinating properly.
“Ruff was in a slightly better condition than Ben and Tumble but was also found to have fleas and multiple skin wounds from the subsequent itching. After receiving antibiotics and steroid injections, he was transferred to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres for further care and attention. Unfortunately, he was later found to have a cancerous tumour so the difficult decision was made to put him to sleep on veterinary advice.
“Sadly, both Ben and Tumble were also euthanised to prevent further suffering.
“We are pleased that the Stewarts received a ban and supervision order, given the severity of neglect that Ben, Ruff and Tumble experienced. Their sheer disregard for the welfare of their animals was shocking.
If anyone is concerned about an animal, please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
