A woman from Clydebank has been sentenced after causing significant neglect to 22 dogs and puppies.
Jamie-Lee Harper appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court where she was given a Community Payback Order and ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid work.
The 36-year-old was also given a six-month Restriction of Liberty Order, banned from keeping dogs for three years and fined £1,975.
Following reports to the Scottish SPCA Helpline, inspectors attended at the property and discovered several dogs free roaming with more found housed inside several stables, sheds and kennels around the farm.
Cold, dark, barren and in many instances unsanitary
Attending vets reported: “The general conditions of the farm were not suitable for keeping large numbers of dogs. The barns were cold, dark, barren and in many instances unsanitary.
“Rats were observed running around the stables which had insufficient bedding and what bedding was available was either saturated with urine or chewed up. Floors were coated in urine, faeces and wood shavings.”
Faecal samples from some of the dogs tested positive for Giardia, a parasitic disease associated with chronic and acute diarrhoea in dogs, transmitted through faecal-oral contact with contaminated food, water or objects.
Several dogs were found with dirty, matted coats, open wounds, untreated skin infections and dental disease.
Others showed symptoms of respiratory illness, parasitic infections and inflammation, with some appearing lethargic, limping or in visible discomfort.
Unhygienic, unsafe and wholly unsuitable
The overall environment was unhygienic, unsafe and wholly unsuitable for the care of any animal.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “In addition to finding many dogs in poor condition, a number of horses and ponies were found at the property. All horses appeared to be in reasonable condition, and it was found that owners of the horses paid a livery to keep them at the farm.”
Many of the surviving dogs in this case have gone on to be rehomed with loving families.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector added: “We are pleased with the outcome and the court’s decision. This case is a step in the right direction for animal welfare in Scotland.”
Dedicated to tackling the illegal and illicit puppy trade
The Scottish SPCA work as part of a Pet Trade Taskforce, a multi-agency enforcement group, dedicated to tackling the illegal and illicit puppy trade.
If you’re thinking of buying a puppy, please do so responsibly. Before you buy, make sure you know exactly where your puppy comes from.
- Visit the breeder’s home to meet the breeder with the pups and their mother.
- Check out the environment – it should be clean, warm and safe.
- Make sure the puppies look healthy – clear eyes and nose, clean ears, soft fur and curious and playful behaviour.
- Check evidence for vaccinations and, flee and worming treatment.
- If something doesn’t feel right, take your time and ask questions.
Please read further information on buying responsibly and protecting animal welfare.
To report any act of cruelty, visit our Contact Us page.
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