MARY WALTON AND GEORGE TODD FROM METHIL RECEIVED LIFETIME BAN AFTER STARVING DOGS

Mary Walton, born around 1960, and her partner George Todd, born approximately in 1951, both residents of Byron Street in Methil, Leven KY8 3JG, have been officially convicted of severe animal neglect and cruelty. The case drew significant attention due to the shocking conditions in which their pet dogs, Beau and Nala, were found.

These two individuals, who had previously been warned in 2017 for animal neglect, faced a court ruling that imposed a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals. The decision came after inspectors from the Scottish SPCA discovered the dogs in a deplorable state, suffering from extreme starvation and neglect.

Beau, a four-year-old Rottweiler, was found emaciated to the point where his skeletal structure was clearly visible through his fur. His body condition was rated just one out of nine, indicating severe malnutrition. Nala, aged two, was not much better, with a body condition score of only two out of nine. The distressing condition of the dogs was evident to all present, with Beau’s bones protruding and both dogs showing signs of muscle loss.

According to court reports, the Scottish SPCA inspectors visited the couple’s residence on June 28, 2022, after receiving a report expressing concern over the welfare of the dogs. When the inspectors arrived, they found the animals confined in the kitchen. Walton reportedly needed her partner’s assistance to remove the dogs, describing them as “wild.”

Once out of the kitchen, the dogs exhibited frantic behavior, throwing themselves into the room and rummaging through the space, licking anything that resembled a bowl. The dogs were then taken to a veterinary clinic in Livingston, West Lothian, for examination and treatment.

Veterinary assessments confirmed the severity of their condition. Beau was found to be extremely underweight, with visible ribs and pelvis, and significant muscle loss. Nala’s condition was similarly dire, with prominent ribs and pelvic bones. The vet noted that both dogs ate greedily when offered food, indicating their starvation was due to neglect rather than lack of appetite. Beau also had sores on his pelvis caused by lying on hard surfaces and head wounds consistent with fighting.

By September 2022, the dogs had shown remarkable improvement, gaining approximately 22% of their body weight in just over nine weeks, and were reported to be doing well.

During the court proceedings, Walton and Todd, who chose to represent themselves, pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Beau and Nala by failing to provide adequate nutrition. They also admitted to neglecting to seek veterinary treatment for the dogs’ weight and muscle loss, and to failing to meet the animals’ basic needs on June 28.

Sheriff Maryam Labaki described the case as “harrowing,” emphasizing the cruelty inflicted upon the animals. She noted that Walton offered an explanation of “not coping,” but expressed strong disapproval of Todd’s attitude, which she described as showing “no remorse.” The sheriff condemned their conduct as “despicable” and confirmed that both individuals would be permanently disqualified from owning or caring for any animals.

Robyn Gray, an inspector from the Scottish SPCA, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “We’re pleased that Mary Walton and George Todd received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals. The couple previously received a fiscal warning in 2017, and we are glad that this outcome will prevent further harm to animals in their care. Both dogs were caused unnecessary suffering which could have been prevented.”