DONNA LAIRD'S CRUELTY IN NEWMAINS: ELDERLY DOG SKYE LEFT TO SUFFER

Donna Laird, formerly known as Donna Macgregor, a resident of Aitken Close in Newmains, Wishaw, was found guilty of neglecting her elderly pet dog, Skye. Born on November 22, 1977, Laird’s case drew attention to the serious issue of animal cruelty and neglect within the community.

Between Christmas Day 2017 and February 7, 2018, Laird admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to her bulldog, which she had cared for over a decade. The court heard that she failed to provide her aging pet with the necessary care and medical attention, leading to a severe decline in Skye’s health. The dog was found to be in a poor physical state, suffering from significant weight loss, muscle deterioration, and various health issues, including a skin condition and a chronic ear problem.

Despite the evident suffering, Laird did not seek veterinary advice or treatment for her dog, which exacerbated her pet’s condition. The neglect was described as a culmination of negligence rather than deliberate cruelty, according to her solicitor, Kevin McCarron. He expressed that Laird was “very distressed” by the situation and emphasized her long history of caring for Skye, stating, “She had this dog for 10 years when it was in good health and well cared for. A culmination of factors contributed to the situation. It was a case of negligence rather than outright intent.”

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Daniel Kelly QC addressed Laird directly, acknowledging her lack of prior involvement in such cases but emphasizing the severity of her actions. The sheriff remarked, “I appreciate you come to court not previously having been involved in such proceedings. However, this was an extremely worrying situation. The dog was significantly underweight. It seemed to be covered in warts and was in obvious discomfort. This must have been going on for some time and the animal must have suffered as a result.”

As a result of her actions, Donna Laird was sentenced to a fine of £500. Additionally, she received a five-year ban from owning or caring for any animals, a restriction that was set to expire in October 2023. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about animal welfare in Newmains and the importance of accountability for those who neglect their pets.