SIOBHAN BUCHAN'S CRUELTY IN PILTON: PUPPY'S ILLEGAL EAR CROP LEADS TO COURT CASE

Siobhan Isabella Stewart Buchan, born on 21 February 1991 and residing on Ferry Road Drive in Pilton, Edinburgh EH4, became the subject of a serious animal cruelty investigation after her involvement in an illegal and painful procedure on her puppy. The incident, which took place in Edinburgh, drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the public alike.

According to reports, Buchan, a mother of four, had her American bully puppy, named Ice, subjected to an illegal ear cropping procedure when the puppy was only five months old. The procedure involved removing the flaps on both of Ice’s ears, a practice that is not only painful but also banned in many countries, including the UK. The operation was carried out without any medical necessity, purely for aesthetic reasons, and was performed by untrained personnel, which further increased the risks involved.

Following the surgery, the wounds on Ice’s ears did not heal properly. Instead, they became swollen, inflamed, and infected, causing the young dog considerable pain and distress. The injuries were so severe that they required immediate veterinary intervention. It was only after a concerned member of the public reported the situation to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) in July 2020 that action was taken.

When Scottish SPCA investigators arrived at Buchan’s residence, they found Ice’s ears in a state of recent trauma. The wounds were still healing, with sutures visible and signs of infection and inflammation. The investigators confirmed that the puppy needed urgent veterinary care. They promptly removed Ice from Buchan’s care and took him to a veterinary clinic, where the infected wounds were treated.

During questioning, Buchan claimed she had purchased Ice from France, where ear cropping is also illegal. However, the Scottish SPCA emphasized that the procedure is illegal in France as well, and that performing or arranging such surgery is a serious criminal offense. The investigators highlighted the immense pain and suffering inflicted on Ice, noting that the procedure is unnecessary and causes both physical and mental trauma to animals. They also pointed out the risks associated with untrained personnel administering anesthesia and performing the surgery, which can endanger the animal’s health and life.

Despite the severity of the case, Buchan was brought before the court and received a relatively lenient sentence. She was handed a three-year ban on owning more than one dog, effectively preventing her from owning any further animals. The Scottish SPCA expressed relief that Ice was now in their care and that he would be placed in a loving home where he could recover from his ordeal. They also stated their hope that Buchan would reflect on her ability to care for animals responsibly in the future.

The investigation and subsequent court proceedings highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal animal mutilation and the importance of vigilant animal welfare enforcement. The Scottish SPCA’s efforts in this case serve as a reminder of the cruelty that can be inflicted on animals for superficial reasons and the need for strict penalties to deter such practices.