MARGARET FORSYTH BANNED FROM ANIMAL OWNERSHIP IN CARLUKE - BREACHES 15-YEAR BAN

Margaret Thomson Forsyth, born in 1962 and residing at Unitas Crescent in Carluke, has been found guilty of violating a court-imposed ban on keeping animals that was originally enforced in 2006. This ban, which lasted for 15 years, was put in place after Forsyth admitted to severe neglect and cruelty towards her pet dogs.

Back in August 2006, Forsyth faced serious legal consequences after her actions towards three toy poodle dogs. She was found to have caused significant suffering to these animals, two of whom had to be euthanized due to the extent of their injuries and neglect. The dogs were kept confined within her kitchen, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, described as being in a state of squalor. Forsyth failed to provide basic care such as walking, grooming, or clipping the dogs, which contributed to their deteriorating health.

The condition of the poodles was particularly distressing. All three had advanced dental issues, with loose teeth, and one of the dogs had a disintegrated jaw. Another dog was found with a hole in the roof of its mouth, indicating severe neglect and suffering. The neglect was so severe that two of the dogs had to be euthanized to end their pain and suffering. Forsyth pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals by neglecting their grooming and veterinary needs.

Fast forward twelve years, and Forsyth’s history of animal neglect caught up with her again. Scottish SPCA officers conducted an inspection of her property in Carluke and discovered that she was still in possession of animals despite her previous ban. They found a 12-year-old Jack Russell dog, a 15-year-old female domestic short-haired cat, and a budgie living at her residence. These findings indicated that Forsyth had violated the terms of her original ban, which prohibited her from keeping animals.

In December 2018, Forsyth was brought before the court and was ordered to pay a fine of £360. Additionally, the court imposed an extended disqualification order, adding 21 months to her existing 15-year ban. This extension means that her ban on keeping animals will now remain in effect until approximately May 2023, further reinforcing the legal restrictions against her. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of enforcement to prevent neglect and cruelty in the community of Carluke.