LIZA TELFER FROM EDINBURGH BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER DOG'S DEATH IN CRUEL CONDITIONS

A tragic case of neglect and cruelty has resulted in Liza Telfer, a resident of Edinburgh, being permanently disqualified from owning any animals following the death of her dog due to severe neglect. The incident highlights the serious consequences of animal cruelty and the importance of animal welfare laws in Scotland.

According to court records, Telfer pleaded guilty to charges related to neglecting her dog, Bonnie, a one-year-old Old English bulldog with a tan and white coat. The charges included failing to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary care, which ultimately led to Bonnie’s death from organ failure. In addition to Bonnie, Telfer was found to have neglected two other dogs, Lady, a long-haired chocolate and caramel-colored Bulldog, and Yogi, a tri-colored Bulldog. Both of these dogs suffered from malnutrition and were kept in deplorable conditions.

The incident came to light in November 2023 when concerns were raised about three dogs left alone in a property on Edinburgh’s outskirts. Scottish SPCA Inspector Chalcroft recounted that upon visiting the property, they observed conditions that were unfit for any living creature. The inspector described the scene as “squalid” and “uninhabitable,” with a faint barking sound emanating from inside. Through the letterbox, a tri-colored Bulldog was seen at a second-floor window, appearing emaciated. Additionally, a chocolate and caramel-colored Bulldog peeked through closed curtains on the ground floor, confirming the presence of at least three dogs inside.

Inspector Chalcroft explained that Telfer, the tenant and owner of the dogs, was uncooperative during subsequent visits. When the inspectors returned with police assistance, Telfer and her son were present, but she refused access to the property. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, authorities arranged for veterinary intervention. During the rescue, Bonnie was brought outside wrapped in a blue blanket. She was severely emaciated, with her skeletal bones clearly visible, and was found dead at the scene.

Her two surviving dogs, Yogi and Lady, were later examined by veterinarians. Both showed signs of severe malnutrition, with weight loss indicative of a minimum deterioration period of two to four weeks from a healthy state. The living environment was described as causing significant distress, with inadequate space, poor ventilation, no immediate outdoor access, and no proper area for toileting or resting. These conditions would have caused fear, discomfort, and suffering to the animals.

Following the investigation, Telfer was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 27 February to an 18-month community payback order and was permanently disqualified from owning animals. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the neglect and the suffering inflicted upon Bonnie, Lady, and Yogi. Inspector Chalcroft expressed that the suffering Bonnie endured, especially her last moments, was deeply upsetting, emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.