LORRAINE FERGUSON OF BARRHEAD, GLASGOW, CONVICTED FOR NEGLECTING ELDERLY DOG

Lorraine Ferguson, born on 30 November 1970 and residing at 12D Firbank Terrace, Barrhead, Glasgow G78 2PX, was convicted in 2022 for severe neglect of her elderly dog. Ferguson’s son, Wully Lindsay, who has a history of violent criminal activity, was initially charged alongside her. It remains unclear whether the charges against Lindsay were dropped or if he faces separate prosecution.

Scottish SPCA officers responded to reports of a stray dog behind a local school. The officers promptly contacted police after observing the animal's grim condition. Ferguson had called the SSPCA helpline to report her dog, Tye—a collie/Staffy crossbreed—that had gone missing overnight. Her description matched that of the stray found earlier that day.

When SSPCA officers visited Ferguson’s home, which she shares with her son William ‘Wully’ Lindsay—also prosecuted for related issues—she claimed that Tye had recently been taken to the vet by a neighbor for treatment of a “fatty lump.” However, she could not provide any details of the appointment or reveal the name of the neighbor, which raised suspicions.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector Laura McIntyre explained: “On 24 February a Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer was called to a report of a stray dog on marshland behind Barrhead High School. The dog was lying next to a burn and had to be carried back to the van as she would not stand. She had a large, bleeding mass dangling from her vulva, which was impeding her ability to walk and causing her a lot of discomfort.

“We took the dog to a local veterinary surgery for immediate pain relief and subsequently transported her to our Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre for further care and treatment. Upon examination, it was evident that there was a very large, pendulous mass hanging between her hind legs, with a raw, fluid-dripping surface. This mass was attached to her vulva and swung when she moved, knocking against her hind legs, resulting in an awkward gait. The dog was clearly uncomfortable and mostly lay down unless encouraged to move.

“Her examination also revealed several other tumours, visible and palpable on close inspection, which any reasonable owner would have noticed. The vets estimated that the smaller tumours had likely been present for at least six months, with the largest possibly existing for over a year, and perhaps much longer.

“Additional age-related changes were observed in her eyes, along with significant dental disease, including inflamed gums, heavy tartar buildup, and worn teeth.”

Chief Inspector McIntyre further stated: “We later learned that Tye had been previously found straying by a neighbor who recognized her need for veterinary care and took her to a vet for microchip scanning. It took Ferguson two days to collect Tye after she was contacted. The neighbor informed Ferguson that the dog needed medical attention, but it appears no effort was made by Ferguson to seek veterinary treatment.

“Ferguson was given multiple chances to be interviewed under caution to explain her circumstances and to provide evidence that Tye had received veterinary care. However, she ignored all attempts to contact her.

“Due to the advanced state of her tumours and suffering, Tye’s prognosis was poor. To end her suffering and on welfare grounds, she was humanely put to sleep.”

In court, Ferguson was fined £540 and received a 30-year ban from owning or keeping animals.

— Glasgow Live

— Scottish SPCA News