MIA CONNOR OF CUMBERNAULD SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT IN EAST KILBRIDE

Mia Beth Connor, born on 21 December 1997, formerly residing on Rockhampton Avenue, Westwood, East Kilbride, and now living on Greenfaulds Crescent, Cumbernauld G67 2PJ, was convicted in 2019 for severe neglect of animals, including cats, dogs, and lizards.

An investigation conducted by the Scottish SPCA revealed that Connor, a single mother, had kept her animals in appalling conditions, depriving them of adequate food and water. When inspectors arrived at her property in Westwood, East Kilbride, they discovered a bearded dragon and a gecko that had already died after suffering a slow, miserable demise. Their decomposed, dried bodies were found inside a poorly lit and unheated vivarium. A surviving bearded dragon, named Cheech, was found suffering from severe dehydration and hypothermia.

Connor also failed to properly care for other pets, including cats Nemo and MJ, a collie named Luka, and a Presa Canario cross called Hulk. Luka was notably underweight.

Inspector Jack Marshall, who attended the property, described the scene: “An overpowering smell of faeces and urine greeted us as I entered. The house was littered with rubbish and faeces, creating a scene of neglect.”

He continued: “Hulk was kept in an upstairs bedroom and was desperately trying to get out. He was in very poor body condition. The room had an overwhelming stench of excrement and urine.”

The animals were immediately transported to a veterinarian for examination. All were found to be emaciated and dehydrated, with both dogs scoring just 2 out of 5 on the body condition scale. Hulk was diagnosed with a widespread skin disease that appeared to have received little to no treatment. Luka’s coat was in a poor state and emitted a strong urine odor. Both cats showed signs of flea infestation.

Veterinary assessments confirmed that the neglect had been ongoing over several weeks, resulting in deprivation of fundamental needs such as food and water, causing unnecessary suffering and stress to all animals involved.

Mia Connor pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering but was only fined £600 and received a five-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in February 2024.

The case highlights serious issues of prolonged animal cruelty and neglect, with authorities emphasizing the importance of proper animal care and welfare.