ABERDEEN WOMAN EMMA LAW BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS AFTER STARVING CAT MINION

In a serious case of animal neglect, Emma Law, a 38-year-old resident of Aberdeen, has been legally prohibited from owning or caring for any animals following her conviction related to the severe mistreatment of her pet cat, Minion. The incident came to light when authorities from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) responded to a distress call reporting an abandoned and severely neglected cat on Great Northern Road in Aberdeen.

Upon arriving at Law’s residence, officers discovered Minion in a dire state. The feline was found to be almost at death’s door, unable to walk or support itself, and suffering from extreme dehydration and malnutrition. The cat’s body condition was so critical that it was assigned the lowest possible body mass score of one out of nine on the veterinary scale. The scene inside the property further underscored the neglect, with a litter tray overflowing with dried feces and the overall appearance of abandonment, suggesting that the property had been left uninhabited for some time.

According to the court proceedings, Minion had not been provided with food or water for at least a week prior to the rescue. The officers’ examination revealed that the cat was suffering from severe dehydration and malnourishment, which had caused it to become extremely weak and unable to support itself. The veterinary team treated Minion, and over the course of three weeks, the cat’s condition improved significantly, with its body mass increasing to a healthier level. Today, Minion is in good health and is cared for by a loving family, a stark contrast to its previous suffering.

During the court hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Law admitted to causing her pet unnecessary suffering by neglecting its basic needs. The prosecution, represented by fiscal depute Claire Stewart, explained that the SSPCA was alerted to Minion’s plight after a concerned individual contacted their helpline. Law’s failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration between December 25, 2023, and January 25, 2024, was the basis of her conviction.

Law’s defense solicitor, Alannah Comerford, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and stated that her client had immediately surrendered ownership of Minion to the SSPCA once the neglect was discovered. She further explained that, following veterinary treatment, Minion’s condition improved markedly, with its body mass reaching a more acceptable level of five out of nine. Comerford emphasized that Law was aware of the seriousness of her actions and accepted full responsibility, despite her struggles with mental health at the time, which she admitted did not justify her neglect.

In sentencing, Sheriff Peter Grant-Hutchison opted for a community payback order, requiring Law to undergo two years of supervised probation and complete 75 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, Law was banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of five years. A Scottish SPCA inspector commented on the case, highlighting that Law’s failure to provide basic necessities led to Minion suffering from extreme dehydration and starvation, necessitating urgent veterinary intervention. The inspector confirmed that Minion was eventually adopted by another family after receiving proper care and treatment, ending her ordeal.