ALLOA WOMAN LORNA WOOD CONVICTED FOR NEGLECTING DOGS IN SCOTLAND

Lorna Jacqueline Wood, a resident of Torridon Court in Alloa, was found guilty in 2017 of neglecting her two dogs, Maisie and Lola, by failing to provide them with proper nutrition over a period of several weeks. Born on September 26, 1982, Wood, a single mother of three, faced serious allegations after authorities discovered the extent of her neglect.

According to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), Inspector Louise Seddon detailed the severity of the dogs' condition during the investigation. She explained that Maisie, a Border collie, was in such poor health that her coat concealed her extreme emaciation, with bones clearly palpable beneath her skin. Lola, the other dog, was similarly emaciated, with all her bones visible to the point where her head appeared disproportionately large compared to her body.

Further examination at the veterinary clinic revealed alarming facts: both dogs weighed only 13.2 kilograms, significantly below the expected weight of approximately 20 kilograms for their breeds and sizes. The vet confirmed that the dogs had been suffering from malnutrition for several weeks, although pinpointing the exact duration was challenging. The evidence indicated that Wood had failed to feed her pets adequately, leading to their severe weight loss and suffering.

Fortunately, after being rescued, Maisie and Lola received proper care and treatment from the Scottish SPCA. Under their supervision, the dogs quickly regained weight and strength, demonstrating the positive impact of proper nutrition and care. Inspector Seddon expressed her relief that the dogs had recovered and emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership. She also noted her hope that Wood would reflect on her ability to care for animals in the future, given her past neglect.

In court, Wood was sentenced to a three-year ban from keeping animals, a restriction that expired in May 2020. Despite this legal penalty, reports in March 2022 indicated that Wood appeared to have acquired two new dogs, raising concerns about her ongoing suitability to care for animals. The Scottish SPCA and local authorities continue to monitor her situation, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in Alloa and beyond.