MHAIRI THOMSON FROM BATHGATE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER IN BLACKBURN

Mhairi Siobhain Thomson, born on August 25, 1982, and residing on Riddochhill Drive in Blackburn, Bathgate, was found guilty of subjecting her pet dog to severe neglect that led to the animal's emaciation. The case drew attention after concerned neighbors noticed the distressingly thin condition of her black and tan Staffordshire bull terrier, prompting them to contact the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

When SSPCA inspectors arrived at Thomson’s residence, they were confronted with a distressing sight: her seven-year-old family dog, Milo, was in a state of extreme malnutrition. The inspectors observed that the dog’s bones, including the spine and pelvic bones, were prominently visible through his skin, indicating a critical level of starvation. The condition of Milo was so dire that immediate action was deemed necessary.

Procurator fiscal Katrine Craig provided a detailed account to the court, describing the dog's appearance as bright but painfully thin. She explained, “The dog appeared bright but was clearly very thin. Its spine and pelvic bones were clearly visible and there appeared to be a lot of muscle wastage.” Thomson herself acknowledged the severity of her pet’s condition, consenting to the immediate removal of Milo for veterinary treatment.

The veterinarian’s assessment confirmed the gravity of the situation, recording Milo as “emaciated” with a body condition score of just one out of nine. The dog’s weight was documented at only 10.2 kilograms, whereas a healthy dog of Milo’s size should typically weigh around 15 kilograms. The vet concluded that the neglect had been ongoing for several weeks, causing unnecessary suffering due to inadequate nutrition and lack of veterinary care.

Following the rescue, Milo was placed on a weight gain program, and over the course of 11 days, he managed to gain 1.8 kilograms. During the investigation, it was revealed that Thomson’s partner’s three-year-old lurcher was also present in the household. However, this dog was found to be in good health and well-nourished, with no concerns raised by the SSPCA. Thomson claimed she had been feeding both dogs simultaneously, but the evidence pointed to a clear case of neglect directed specifically at Milo.

Thomson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her dog between October 1 and December 4, 2014, by failing to provide proper and adequate nutrition. The court, presided over by Sheriff Susan Craig, considered her financial situation, which was described as “extremely restricted,” and decided against imposing a fine. Instead, Thomson was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid community service and was banned from owning or keeping a dog for two years, a ban that expired in 2017.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners to ensure their animals receive proper care and nutrition, especially in residential areas like Bathgate and Blackburn where community vigilance can make a difference in preventing cruelty.