KIRKCALDY WOMAN SIOBHAN WALLACE FACES SCRUTINY OVER DOG'S CRUELTY CASE

Siobhan Wallace, a resident of Valley Gardens in Kirkcaldy, found herself at the centre of a distressing animal welfare case after her five-year-old Shih Tzu, named Daisy, was rescued by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

Wallace, born on August 16, 1986, was convicted in 2022 for neglecting her pet, which was discovered in a severely neglected state. The SSPCA officers responded to reports of an animal in distress and arrived at Wallace's residence to find Daisy in a deplorable condition. The dog’s fur was overgrown and dry, with flakes and pus visibly pouring from her inflamed ears. Her claws had grown excessively long, curling over her paw pads, causing her significant discomfort and pain.

When questioned about her dog’s health, Wallace admitted that she had not taken Daisy to a veterinarian for medical treatment in the past seven months. She attributed this neglect to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, claiming it had prevented her from seeking proper veterinary care. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the SSPCA officers promptly removed Daisy from Wallace’s care and took her to a local veterinary clinic for urgent treatment.

Upon examination, the veterinarian confirmed that Daisy was suffering from infections in both ears, which had become severely inflamed. Additionally, a mass-like lesion measuring approximately 2.5 centimeters was found in her mouth, causing her discomfort when touched. The overgrown nails had to be carefully removed using forceps, revealing wounds on her paws that were also infected. The veterinary team described her condition as critical, highlighting the neglect she had endured.

During the court proceedings, Wallace pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide necessary medical care for her dog. Her solicitor, David Cranston, defended her actions by explaining that Wallace had rescued Daisy from her previous owners, who had not shown her proper care. Cranston stated, “The dog had not been well-loved by its previous owners. It was kept outside and seems to have been used for breeding – this appears to have been quite lucrative. But having reached the end of her purpose, the owners made her aware they were going to get rid of her, and that would not have been in the most humane way.”

Cranston further explained that Wallace’s prior treatment of Daisy was driven by her attempt to save the dog from further mistreatment. He added, “The dog was so terrified by her previous treatment that a grooming salon was unable to treat her on a one-to-one basis, and the two-to-one ratio needed was forbidden by lockdown laws. Wallace took steps to do right by the dog, and when she recognized the problem, she contacted the SSPCA instead of abandoning her.”

During the court hearing, Sheriff Alison McKay expressed concern over the length of time Wallace took to seek help for Daisy. Despite her concerns, she chose not to impose a ban on Wallace owning animals, noting that Wallace now appeared to understand the responsibilities and costs associated with caring for a dog.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross commented on the case, expressing disappointment that Wallace did not face a harsher penalty. She said, “We are disappointed that Wallace hasn’t received a disqualification order but pleased she received a fine and that Daisy has gone on to find a loving new home where she will be cared for properly. It would have been obvious to any reasonable owner that Daisy was uncomfortable, and we would expect her previous owner to have recognized this and sought veterinary treatment sooner.”

Wallace was sentenced to a fine of £375 along with a £20 victim surcharge. The case has drawn attention to the importance of timely veterinary care and responsible pet ownership, especially in challenging circumstances such as those presented by the pandemic.