PAISLEY PARENTS CHANEL MCGAHARON AND ROBERT MCLEISH FACING SCRUTINY OVER ABANDONED PUPPY IN DUMBARON
In a disturbing case of neglect, Chanel McGaharon, born on March 12, 2000, and Robert 'Rab' McLeish, born on October 17, 1995, both residents of Williamsburgh Court in Paisley with links to Dumbarton, have been found guilty of failing to provide necessary veterinary care for their eight-month-old Akita, named Marlie.The couple, who are parents, admitted in court to neglecting the dog by not seeking medical attention or pain relief, despite evident signs of suffering.
For several weeks, Marlie endured severe discomfort, scratching herself so intensely that she developed open wounds, bleeding scabs, and patches of missing fur.
The neglect was brought to light after officers from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) responded to a welfare concern reported through their helpline.
They arrived at the couple’s residence in Paisley to find the distressed dog lying outside, visibly in pain and exhibiting signs of severe distress.
Marlie was observed constantly shifting her position, circling in tight loops before lying down again, a behavior indicative of her discomfort.
When officers requested access to the property to assess the living conditions and determine if they contributed to her health issues, McLeish refused entry, complicating the investigation.
Recognizing the urgency of her condition, the officers promptly transported Marlie to a veterinary clinic for examination.
Veterinarians estimated that her suffering had persisted for up to eight weeks, confirming that her wounds and skin condition were the result of prolonged neglect.
During the court proceedings, both McGaharon and McLeish pleaded guilty to the charges.
Despite the severity of the case, they were each fined only £135 and were not banned from owning animals in the future.
This decision drew criticism from animal welfare advocates, who argued that such a minimal penalty failed to reflect the gravity of the neglect.
Inspector Isla Bell of the SSPCA provided a detailed account of the incident, stating: "On Tuesday, August 25, I attended the property of Robert McLeish and Chanel McGaharon in response to a complaint of dog neglect.
The report indicated a dog lying outside with swollen paws, missing fur, and appearing very lethargic.
When I arrived, I requested access inside to evaluate the dog's living conditions, but McLeish refused.
I then observed Marlie, a female Akita, lying on a blanket outside.
She appeared to be an older dog, slightly underweight, with a lethargic demeanor.
She was constantly scratching herself, with blood visible on her legs, paws, and belly, and her fur was sparse and inflamed." Inspector Bell expressed her shock at discovering that Marlie was only eight months old, as her condition showed no signs of the playful puppy expected at that age.
She described the dog's skin as red, inflamed, and covered in scabs, with thickened areas from persistent scratching.
The inspector emphasized the cruelty of neglecting such suffering, noting that Marlie’s health had deteriorated significantly due to her owners’ inaction.
Following her rescue, Marlie was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where her skin condition was treated, and her overall health improved markedly.
She was subsequently rehomed to a caring family that now provides her with love, cuddles, and regular beach walks.
Despite the initial neglect, her future now looks brighter, thanks to the intervention of animal welfare authorities.
In addition to this case, it was revealed that Robert McLeish, who previously resided in Dumbarton, had a criminal record.
In March 2018, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison and placed under supervision for nine months after being caught in a garden with a large kitchen knife.
His lawyer explained that McLeish had faced personal difficulties and lacked stability, having moved from Paisley to Dumbarton to escape negative influences.
This background adds further context to concerns about his capacity to care for animals and handle responsibilities responsibly.
