ANDREW BAYNE'S CRUELTY IN DENNY AND FALKIRK: PET DOG LEFT TO SUFFER AND DUMPED IN REMOTE AREA

Andrew John Bayne, born on March 23, 1972, and residing at Stirling Street, Dunipace, Denny, Falkirk FK6 6QN, has been found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving his pet dog, Pepsi. The case, which has garnered significant attention, reveals a disturbing pattern of neglect and abandonment that culminated in the tragic death of the ten-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Bayne’s neglectful actions came to light after an investigation by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). The authorities discovered Pepsi’s lifeless body in a remote area, which prompted a detailed examination and subsequent legal proceedings. The investigation uncovered that Bayne had failed to seek veterinary care for his ailing dog during a period spanning from June 3 to September 3, 2018. Instead of addressing her health issues, Bayne allowed Pepsi to endure a prolonged and painful decline, ultimately leading to her death.

During the court hearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court, Bayne pleaded guilty to charges under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. The charges included neglecting to provide adequate care, failing to seek veterinary advice, and not administering necessary treatment for Pepsi’s numerous health problems. The court’s proceedings highlighted the severity of the neglect, which resulted in the dog suffering immensely before her death.

Inspector Louise Seddon of the SSPCA provided a detailed account of the post-mortem findings. She explained that Pepsi’s body showed signs of severe neglect, including a large ulcerated tumour hanging from her abdomen, which had been infected for at least a week. The tumour was benign but had been present for many months, causing ongoing pain. Additionally, the dog exhibited signs of a uterine infection, septic arthritis in her right hind ankle, and excessive overgrowth of her claws on all four paws. The presence of discharges from her vaginal area and an open wound over her right hock further indicated her suffering.

According to Inspector Seddon, the injuries and infections would have caused significant pain and discomfort, especially considering the likely non-weight bearing on her hind limb due to arthritis. The veterinary post-mortem confirmed that these conditions could have been treated if veterinary intervention had been sought in time. Sadly, Pepsi’s prolonged suffering was a direct result of Bayne’s neglect, and her death was not an overnight event but a consequence of ongoing pain that could have been alleviated.

In sentencing, Bayne was fined £500 and received a five-year ban from keeping dogs, a restriction that will expire in April 2024. The case has been widely reported in the Falkirk Herald, and the authorities hope that this serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Inspector Seddon expressed her hope that Bayne will reflect on his actions and consider his future ability to care for animals, emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of cruelty and neglect.