ASHLEY GRAHAM FROM PETERHEAD BANNED AFTER DOG DIES IN HORRIFIC CONDITION

In May 2021, a tragic case of animal neglect unfolded in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, leading to the death of a dog named Lola and subsequent legal action against her owner, Ashley Graham. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) launched an investigation after receiving a disturbing report about Lola's condition. When inspector Fiona McKenzie arrived at Graham's residence, she was confronted with a scene of unimaginable suffering.

Inspector McKenzie described Lola as being in one of the worst states she had encountered in her 13 years of animal welfare work. The dog was found emaciated, with her body resembling a walking skeleton. Her eyes had sunken deep into their sockets, and her ears showed signs of severe infection, with wounds that had eroded the edges. Her skin was hot to the touch, peeling away from her bones, and she was extremely weak and lethargic. The inspector noted that Lola's appearance was indicative of prolonged neglect and severe malnutrition.

According to the inspector, Lola's condition was so dire that it was immediately evident she was suffering from a chronic skin condition, which had caused her to lose much of her hair. Her overall demeanor was depressed, and her physical state suggested she had been neglected for several months. The infection and neglect had caused her eyes to become cloudy, and her ears had infected wounds that had eaten away at the tissue.

Veterinary examination confirmed that Lola was in urgent need of medical intervention. She was suffering from sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by infection, and her overall health was critically compromised. Despite efforts to save her, including administering antibiotics, treating her skin, and extracting decayed teeth, Lola's condition worsened. The veterinary team concluded that her suffering had been prolonged over several months, and her decline was irreversible.

Sadly, Lola did not respond to treatment, and the difficult decision was made to euthanize her to end her pain and suffering. The veterinary professionals expressed that her condition was the result of neglect over an extended period, and her death was a tragic outcome of her owner’s failure to care for her properly.

Following Lola's death, Ashley Graham was summoned to Peterhead Sheriff Court to face charges related to animal cruelty. The court sentenced her to a four-year ban on owning dogs, a measure intended to prevent her from reoffending. Additionally, Graham was handed a community payback order requiring her to complete 100 hours of unpaid work as part of her punishment for neglecting Lola and causing her unnecessary suffering.