TRAGIC END FOR CLYDEBANK DOG LEXI AS THEA ANDERSON LEAVES PET TO STARVE TO DEATH IN HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

In October 2021, a heartbreaking case emerged from Clydebank involving the tragic death of a beloved family pet, Lexi, a three-year-old Mastiff cross. The incident revealed the severe neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the dog by her owner, Thea Anderson, a 21-year-old resident of Clydebank. Anderson was accused of leaving her dog to suffer and die in deplorable conditions, with no access to food or water, while she was absent from her home.

Lexi’s death was a slow and agonizing process, believed to have resulted from either organ failure or dehydration. The Scottish SPCA launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise, uncovering a distressing scene within Anderson’s residence. The dog was found locked in a hallway, with an open bag of dog food placed in a cupboard nearby—food that Lexi could smell but was unable to reach. The scene was further compounded by the presence of dog feces on the floor behind the door and a strong smell of decay, indicating neglect and a lack of basic hygiene.

When authorities arrived, Lexi was discovered lying partially covered with a blanket at the end of the hallway. The veterinarian’s post-mortem examination revealed that Lexi was severely emaciated, weighing only 11.2 kilograms—approximately a third of her healthy weight, which should have exceeded 30 kilograms. The examination concluded that her death was caused either by organ failure or dehydration, both of which would have resulted in a slow, painful, and distressing demise.

Gillian Dick, an inspector from the Scottish SPCA, described the scene and the circumstances leading to Lexi’s death. She stated, “This is a really upsetting case. Lexi’s death was entirely avoidable if she had been given an adequate diet and water. When we first entered the address, there was a strong smell of a decaying body, and we saw dog feces on the floor behind the door. We saw Lexi at the end of the hall with a blanket partially covering her body. It was clear to us that someone had placed the blanket over Lexi. She was completely emaciated, with no fat covering her body.”

Further inspection of the property revealed a cluttered and filthy environment, consistent with neglect. The investigators found a large bag of dog food in a cupboard in the hallway, with only a third of the contents missing—highlighting how close Lexi was to food but was denied access to it during her final days. Dick emphasized the distressing nature of the case, noting that Anderson was aware of Lexi’s dire condition, as evidence showed someone had been in the house earlier that day.

During questioning, Anderson attempted to shift blame onto a friend who was supposed to be caring for Lexi. However, she admitted to having seen her dog just days before her death and failed to seek immediate veterinary assistance, which could have alleviated her suffering. The Scottish SPCA inspector condemned Anderson’s actions, stating, “Any responsible dog owner would have recognized Lexi’s need for urgent veterinary care. Her condition would have taken weeks or longer to develop, leading to her organs failing or dehydration. The level of pain and suffering she endured in her final moments was horrendous. Anderson’s neglect caused Lexi unnecessary and extreme suffering.”

As a result of her actions, Anderson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She was handed a six-year ban on owning animals, sentenced to 160 hours of community service, and placed under an 18-month supervision order. The case was heard at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on October 5, 2021, bringing to light the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership.