WOMAN BANNED FROM OWNING ANIMALS AFTER NEGLECTING STARVING DOG IN DUNDEE
A sheriff cautioned a woman and issued a ban on her keeping animals following her neglect of a starved and confined whippet at her residence in Dundee.Sarah Henderson acknowledged her role in causing harm to the three-year-old dog between December 2025 and February of the subsequent year.
She received a prohibition from owning or having control of any animals, but the Dundee Sheriff Court did not impose additional penalties for her offense.
During proceedings, it was reported that the dog, a grey-colored whippet, was in a severely poor state, with sores on its body and very little flesh to be seen, indicating a critical level of malnutrition on the veterinary scale.
Veterinary treatment was provided after officials from the Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) conducted an investigation.
On February 16, an SSPCA inspector and a colleague visited Henderson’s Dundee residence after receiving a tip about a severely emaciated whippet within the property.
According to fiscal depute Carrie-Anne Mackenzie, “Upon entry, they were directed to the sitting room, where a grey whippet was found confined in a medium-sized crate.
It had scant bedding, and the food and water bowls were empty.
The dog appeared emaciated, with visible bones and sores on its body and legs.” The animal was seized and taken to the Dundee branch of Parkside Veterinary Group for treatment.
Vets typically assess a dog’s body condition on a scale of one to nine.
The court was told the dog was at the lowest end—between four and five—where the ideal score for adult whippets generally falls.
Mrs.
Mackenzie stated that the dog weighed approximately 7.7kg, whereas a healthy weight would be about 13.14kg.
The dog also had very overgrown nails and multiple healing pressure sores, indicating prolonged neglect,” the prosecutor added.
Following her arrest, Henderson, 38, remarked to police: “I don’t know.
I recognize that it’s shocking.
I’ve just shut myself away and not told anyone.
Asking for help isn’t something I usually do.” She pleaded guilty to a single charge of failing to supply proper nutrition, which led to the dog’s emaciation, and neglecting to seek veterinary care for overgrown nails and pressure wounds.
Defense lawyer Jim Caird explained that Henderson’s mental health issues had not been fully diagnosed, suggesting these played a role in her actions.
He told the court, “This appears to be someone who was unable to cope.
The situation was not intentional, and mental health problems influenced what happened.
She feels very remorseful and accepts the likely imposition of a disqualification order.” Sheriff Nigel Cooke decided to reprimand Henderson, meaning she will have a criminal record but will face no further punishment, citing her mental health and other factors from a social work report.
Describing the case as unfortunate, the sheriff stated that Henderson is now disqualified from owning or controlling animals for five years.
