VIOLET JOHNSTON OF BIGGAR SENTENCED FOR DOG NEGLECT IN SCOTLAND

Violet Johnston, born 31 January 1971 and residing at Knocklea, Biggar ML12 6EG, was convicted in 2020 for neglecting her pet dog and failing to provide medical treatment. Johnston was charged with starving her eight-year-old dog, Picco, and neglecting her to the point of severe malnutrition, as well as not seeking veterinary care for her.

A Scottish SPCA inspector described finding Picco and another Boxer named Boe confined in a large crate in Johnston’s kitchen. Picco was found in a critically poor condition, weighing only 13.54kg—almost half the typical weight for her breed—and was visibly thin with her spine protruding. Tragically, Picco was euthanised on humane grounds due to neglect.

The inspector noted, “It was clear that Picco needed immediate veterinary treatment. Her frame was incredibly lean. When she was offered food, she gobbled it up as if she was starving.” She added, “This shows that there was no health issue interfering with Picco’s ability to put on weight. When she received regular food in our care, she gained weight easily.”

Veterinary examination revealed Picco’s body score as 1 out of 5, with 5 being perfect condition. She was found to have a mammary mass and an ear infection that caused inflammation, pain, and discharge, with a pungent smell. The inspector emphasized, “It was clear to our team that Picco needed urgent care and treatment. The fact that her health issues and starved frame were not identified by Johnston reflects her inability to provide proper care.”

Further assessment showed Picco had significant spondylosis along her spine, along with other chronic degenerative conditions, impacting her quality of life. Due to these health problems, veterinary professionals decided euthanasia was the most compassionate option to prevent further suffering.

Following her conviction, Johnston received a six-month community payback supervision order and was subject to a two-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in January 2022. This case was reported by EdinburghLive.