YVONNE WILLIAMS FROM CUMBERNAULD FACES JUSTICE OVER ANIMAL ABUSE IN GLASGOW

Yvonne Williams, also known as Yvonne Conroy, born on May 6, 1971, and residing at 372 Millcroft Road in Cumbernauld, Glasgow G67 2QW, has been convicted of serious animal neglect and cruelty. The case highlights her failure to seek veterinary care for her pet dog, Aria, a three-year-old mastiff cross, which ultimately led to her suffering and eventual euthanasia.

Williams was found guilty of neglecting her pet’s health needs, specifically neglecting to provide necessary veterinary treatment or pain relief for Aria’s swollen and bleeding ear. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) responded to a welfare complaint at her property on March 31, 2021. Upon inspection, inspectors discovered Aria in significant distress, with her ear condition having worsened due to neglect.

According to Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector John Chisholm, the organization had been aware of ongoing concerns about the welfare of animals at Williams’ residence for several years. He explained that complaints had been made as far back as 2017, prompting advice and follow-up visits over the years. In 2019, the SPCA had taken one of her dogs into their care after concerns about her ability to care for multiple large dogs. Williams was advised not to acquire any additional animals.

During a 2020 visit, inspectors observed that Aria’s ear was in a painful state, and Williams was issued an animal welfare notice instructing her to take the dog to a veterinarian. She complied at that time and was advised to follow all veterinary treatment plans. However, by the time of the most recent inspection, it was evident that Aria’s condition had deteriorated significantly. The dog was seen scratching and clawing at her ears, with her left ear swollen and hard to the touch, and the inside of her ear blocked with thickened skin.

Aria was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where the veterinarian described her condition as the worst ear problem they had encountered in their career. The vet confirmed that Aria had endured prolonged, unnecessary suffering over several months due to her owner’s neglect. Given the irreversible damage to her ear canals and the severity of her condition, veterinary professionals advised that Aria be euthanized to end her pain. Williams agreed to this course of action, and Aria was put to sleep on veterinary advice.

Despite being advised not to take on more animals, the Scottish SPCA discovered that Williams had acquired four cats—Ginger, Bandit, and two others. When inspectors attempted to access her property for further assessment, Williams refused entry, showing a lack of cooperation. Eventually, she agreed to surrender her cats for examination, but she refused to allow inspectors inside her home to assess living conditions.

Ginger and Bandit were taken to a Scottish SPCA center, where they were found to be suffering from heavy flea infestations, dental disease, inflamed gums, and being underweight. Both cats received necessary treatment, but Williams refused to sign them over legally, preventing their rehoming. The organization expressed satisfaction that Williams had pleaded guilty and received a five-year ban from owning animals, along with a community payback order.

Scottish SPCA officials emphasized that Aria’s suffering was entirely preventable and that her condition could have been treated if Williams had provided proper care. The case concluded with a two-year community payback order and a five-year ban on owning animals. The organization also expressed hope that Ginger and Bandit will soon find loving homes where they can receive the care they need. The case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting animal welfare in Cumbernauld and Glasgow.