INVERURIE WOMAN SENTENCED FOR CAUSING DOG 'GREAT SUFFERING' AND BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS
An Inverurie woman named Jennifer Grey, aged 42, has been prohibited from keeping animals after neglecting her pet dog so severely that neighbors had to rescue the dog and report it to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).The dog, a springer spaniel named Scooby, was found to be emaciated, injured, and filthy, with an open leg wound and bleeding lesions across his body.
Additionally, Scooby suffered from severe dental disease and had a coat matted with grease and dirt.
It was established that Grey had caused the animal unnecessary suffering over a period of two months.
She pleaded guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to a charge of failing to provide proper care and nutrition for Scooby, as well as neglecting to seek veterinary help for his injuries between September 11 and November 11, 2020.
Court documents indicate that Grey's neglect led to the dog's condition, which included no fat over his legs, spine, or hips, loss of muscle, an open wound on his leg, gum recession, sunken eyes, and a coat covered in grease.
The court was told that neighbours took Scooby in on November 9, 2020, after becoming concerned for his health.
When inspectors examined the dog on November 11, they found him in a poor state, suffering from emaciation, lesions, and other health issues, all lasting approximately two months.
Defence lawyer Peter Keene explained that Grey had acquired Scooby as a puppy, but as he grew older, he preferred to be outside and had a poor appetite.
He stated that Grey was horrified by Scooby's condition and had decided not to keep any more pets.
Sheriff Robert Frazer convicted Grey and sentenced her to a community payback order for 12 months with supervision and disqualified her from owning or keeping any animals for five years.
Sheriff Frazer emphasized that Grey had pleaded guilty to wilfully neglecting the dog and causing great suffering, which led to Scooby being taken from her ownership.
