MATTHEW FLEMING'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN HAMILTON: ELDERLY DOG STARVES IN CUPBOARD

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Matthew Fleming, a resident of Hamilton, was found guilty of heinous cruelty towards an elderly greyhound named Edge. The incident, which drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, revealed the shocking conditions in which the dog was kept.

Fleming, born on November 22, 1990, and previously residing in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, moved to Cypress Lane, Hamilton, in 2019. It was there that he kept Edge confined in a cupboard, neglecting the animal’s basic needs and allowing him to suffer from severe starvation. The dog, who was 13 years old at the time, was found in a deplorable state, having been deprived of proper nutrition and veterinary care for an extended period.

Inspector Gillian Dick, who led the investigation, recounted the harrowing scene upon arriving at Fleming’s property. She described Edge as lying in a cupboard, surrounded by his own excrement, unable to stand, and so weak that he struggled to lift his head. The inspector detailed the dog's emaciated condition, noting that all of his bones were protruding sharply through his skin, with no visible fat or muscle tone. The dog’s teeth were caked with feces, and pressure sores marked his body, a consequence of prolonged immobility and lack of body fat.

Edge was immediately taken to a veterinarian, where he was assessed to weigh only 14.8 kilograms—less than half the expected weight for a dog of his breed and age, which should have been around 30 kilograms. The veterinarian concluded that Edge’s condition was so critical that euthanasia was the only humane option to end his suffering. Sadly, the dog was put to sleep to alleviate his pain.

During questioning, Fleming admitted that he was aware of Edge’s deteriorating health for at least a month and acknowledged that the dog had been in a collapsed state just five days before the authorities arrived. It was revealed that Fleming had resorted to the dog eating his own feces in a desperate attempt to find some form of sustenance, highlighting the severity of neglect.

Fleming, who is now a father of two, faced legal consequences for his actions. He was fined £750 and received an eight-year ban from owning animals, a sentence that expired in January 2022. Inspector Dick expressed her hope that Fleming would reflect on his failure to care for Edge and consider whether he is fit to care for any other animals in the future. She emphasized the importance of accountability and compassion in animal welfare, urging others to recognize the devastating impact of neglect and cruelty.