ANDREW MCPHERSON FROM AIRDRIE FACES FIVE-YEAR DOG OWNERSHIP BAN AFTER CRUELTY CASE

Andrew William McPherson, born around 1982 and residing at 20 Harris Place in Airdrie, has been convicted of severe animal neglect involving his two dogs. The case, which drew significant attention from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), highlights the ongoing issues of animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership in the region.

McPherson was found guilty of failing to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary care for his two dogs, a seven-year-old German shepherd named Zara and a 16-year-old male crossbreed called Bobo. The neglect was prolonged, leading to serious suffering for the animals and a clear violation of their welfare. The Scottish SPCA documented the dogs' condition through photographs, which vividly depicted the extent of their neglect.

During court proceedings, McPherson admitted to breaching Section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. This section pertains to causing unnecessary suffering to animals and neglecting their basic needs, including proper nutrition and medical treatment. As a result of his guilty plea, he was subjected to a fine and, more notably, a five-year ban on owning or keeping dogs, which will remain in effect until July 2025.

Emma Sergeant, an inspector with the Scottish SPCA, expressed her disappointment and frustration over the case. She stated, “We are pleased McPherson has been handed a ban for this level of neglect. McPherson has been known to the Scottish SPCA since 2018. We have tried on several occasions to provide him with guidance and advice on how to care for his animals.”

Sergeant further described the deteriorating condition of Zara and Bobo. She explained that although there was some initial improvement following earlier interventions, the dogs' health declined again by the time the SPCA visited McPherson’s residence in September of the previous year. The living environment was described as dirty and cluttered, with piles of litter on the floor and household items stacked in such a way that the dogs' access was severely restricted.

Both dogs were found to be severely underweight, with their hip bones and ribs clearly visible, indicating prolonged malnutrition. Their nails were overgrown, causing discomfort, and during the inspection, some dog food was spilled on the floor. The dogs, driven by hunger, began fighting over the food, highlighting their desperate state.

Veterinary examinations confirmed that the dogs had no underlying medical conditions and responded well to care, gaining weight once in the SPCA’s custody. Sergeant emphasized that the deterioration in their condition was not sudden but the result of months of neglect. She criticized McPherson for not learning from previous advice and interventions, which ultimately led to unnecessary suffering for Zara and Bobo.

Sergeant concluded by stating, “Providing an animal with a basic level of nutrition to stay healthy should not be a difficult task. We hope this sentence makes McPherson consider his ability to be able to look after any animal in the future.”

Thankfully, both Zara and Bobo recovered under the care of the Scottish SPCA and were successfully rehomed. They are now in loving environments where they will receive the attention and care they deserve for the rest of their lives, a stark contrast to their previous suffering in Airdrie.