CONVICTED (2018) | professional dog walker Helen J Campbell, born c. 1958, of 97 Netherton Road, Anniesland, Glasgow G13 1LJ – left eight dogs in a hot van causing two of them to lose their lives

Campbell, who owned a dog walking business named nose2tailk9care, locked eight dogs in a van for three hours during a heatwave. This resulted in two – Milly and Cody – dying. Three other dogs were hospitalised and three others fell ill.

The temperature inside the van is thought to have been as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 21C.

Instead of telling owners what had happened to their dogs, Campbell repeatedly changed her story which resulted in some animals receiving the wrong treatment from vets.

In court Campbell admitted causing the dogs unnecessary suffering by leaving them in her van for a prolonged period of time without proper ventilation. and failing to seek necessary veterinary treatment.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Gillian Dick said, “This is a heart-breaking example of why dogs should not be left in hot cars.

“The van was a totally unsuitable environment for dogs to be kept, especially on such a hot day. The dogs were left alone for two and a half to three hours which is unacceptable.

“Campbell did not inform the owners as to what had happened to their dogs which resulted in dogs receiving the wrong treatment. Had Campbell been truthful more appropriate treatment would have been given and prevented the situation being made worse.

“The temperature inside the van is likely to have reached at least 40 degrees centigrade. These conditions would be difficult for even a human to cope with never mind a dog that can’t sweat, as they have no sweat glands in the majority of their skin surface. The main way for a dog to cool down is through panting, which is much less effective than sweating and makes a dog much more prone to heat stroke.

“As a dog begins to overheat it will become very weak, have an increased heart rate and blood circulation which leads to dizziness and ultimately the dog will collapse and lose consciousness.

“Even in cases where dogs do not die, they can suffer from long term illness and the experience is extremely distressing.

Sentencing: 176 hours of community service. 20-year ban on owning, keeping, transporting or working with all animals.

Scottish SPCA News
Evening Times
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