DEBI BALLANTINE-BROWN FROM DALKEITH FACES COURT AFTER HORRIFIC DOG NEGLECT CASE

Debi Ballantine-Brown, a resident of Ruskin Place in Dalkeith, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that drew significant attention from the Scottish SPCA and local authorities. Born around 1967, she was convicted in 2020 for her role in starving and neglecting her two Weimaraner dogs, Ember and Buckley, an incident that shocked the community and highlighted ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the area.

Between January 1 and February 26, 2019, Ballantine-Brown failed to provide her dogs with the necessary veterinary care, leading to severe health deterioration. The Scottish SPCA described the dogs’ condition as skin and bone, with Ember and Buckley suffering from extreme emaciation. Despite their suffering, Ballantine-Brown did not seek medical attention for her pets, which resulted in tragic consequences.

As part of the legal proceedings, a deprivation order was issued for Buckley, allowing him to be rehomed and given a second chance at life. Unfortunately, Ember was euthanized before the case reached trial due to age-related health issues, a decision confirmed by the Scottish SPCA. The organization expressed their regret over her death but emphasized the importance of animal welfare laws.

The case was heard at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on December 15, 2020, where Ballantine-Brown was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her dogs. Megan Hollingsworth, her daughter, was also charged but was acquitted, with the court ruling that the evidence against her was insufficient to prove her involvement.

Inspector Fiona Thorburn of the Scottish SPCA recounted the distressing details of the investigation. She explained that the initial report came from a concerned member of the public who noticed the dogs’ dire condition at the property shared by Ballantine-Brown and Hollingsworth. Upon arrival, inspectors observed Ember’s emaciated state, with her pelvis, vertebrae, and ribs prominently visible. The dog weighed only 20kg, whereas a healthy weight would be over 26kg. Buckley was similarly underweight, weighing just 15.7kg compared to the expected 20kg, with ribs and pelvis clearly visible.

Further investigation revealed that Ember had not been taken to a veterinarian despite her severe condition, and Buckley had not been examined since October 22, 2018. The neglect had caused the dogs significant suffering, but after being taken into care by the Scottish SPCA, both dogs showed remarkable improvement. Buckley gained 49 percent of his weight, and Ember gained 37 percent within four weeks of their rescue.

In addition to the conviction, the court imposed a five-year ban on Ballantine-Brown from owning more than one dog at a time. A deprivation order was also issued for Buckley, ensuring he would not return to her care and could find a loving home. The Scottish SPCA expressed satisfaction with the legal outcome and hoped that Ballantine-Brown would reflect on her ability to care for animals responsibly in the future.

The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the vigilance of community members and authorities in protecting vulnerable animals from neglect and cruelty in Dalkeith and beyond.