A couple who neglected their three dogs, have been disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for three years.
Anthony Conway, from Alexandria, pled guilty to not providing their dog, Raven, with necessary veterinary treatment for ear disease causing pain and unnecessary suffering over at least a two-month period.
Filthy, hazardous and dangerous living conditions
Liz Conway pled guilty to failing to provide a suitable living environment. They exposed their three dogs, a six-year-old female black French bulldog type dog called Raven and two one-year-old fawn cross French Bulldog/Bichon Frise type dogs – a male called Blitz and a female called Gypsy, to filthy, hazardous and dangerous living conditions and failed to provide a clean and comfortable resting area.
This led to their three dogs being caused significant mental and physical suffering for at least a two-week period.
The Conways were sentenced at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday, 12 May. They also received a £250 fine with £20 victim surcharge.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector reported: “In March 2024, we received a call from a member of the public who was raising concerns regarding a smell that was coming from within the neighbouring property.
One of the dogs had died and the remaining dogs were never taken out of the property
“The complaint stated that there were possibly four dogs within the property, that one of the dogs had died and that the remaining dogs were never taken out of the property for exercise.
“We attended at the property and was met by a man who was opening the front door. We explained there had been a complaint regarding dogs within the property.
“The man was Anthony Conway and that he was looking after the dogs at the property on behalf of their owner who he named as Liz-Anne Conway.
“On entering, there was a strong smell of urine and faeces. Opening the door to the kitchen three dogs ran out into the hallway. The kitchen floor was covered in dog urine and faeces.
No clean space available for the dogs to stand or lie down
“There was no clean space available for the dogs to stand or lie down. A small dog cage contained a soiled blanket, and a plastic dog bed was being used to store a large bag of dog food. An empty water bowl sat on the floor. The kitchen was filled with an overpowering odour.
“We advised Conway that we had immediate and serious concerns regarding the welfare of the three dogs and we removed them from the property.
“The dogs were transported to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centre for further care and attention.”
A Scottish SPCA Veterinary Surgeon examined the three dogs named, Raven, Blitz and Gypsy.
Raven was found to be suffering from inflamed and painful ears. She was also found to be slightly underweight, and she was demonstrating a degree of pain in her back.
Blitz was found to be slightly underweight and had superficial scrapes on his nose and paw.
Gypsy was found to have some scabbing on her head and superficial abrasions on the pads of her left hind paw.
Raven had endured significant pain and suffering for a period of at least two months
The vet determined that Raven had endured significant pain and suffering for a period of at least two months due to her owners’ failure to seek veterinary treatment for her ear condition.
The condition of Raven’s ears would have been apparent to any reasonable person during the early stages of the disease, as indicated by symptoms such as head shaking, ear rubbing, and a strong odour. Veterinary treatment should have been sought within the first few days.
Keeping the three dogs confined to the kitchen, surrounded by accumulated faeces and without access to appropriate food, water, resting areas, or toileting opportunities, would have resulted in significant physical and psychological suffering for all three animals over a period of at least two weeks.
The suffering endured by all three dogs was both unnecessary and avoidable
“We are pleased with the sentencing. The suffering endured by all three dogs was both unnecessary and avoidable. Their basic needs—for a consistent diet, clean water, and, in Raven’s case, timely veterinary care—were not met. This sentence recognizes the seriousness of that neglect.”
To report any act of cruelty visit the Scottish SPCA website here.
