CONVICTED (2019) | George John Moffat, born c. 1998, and Kerry Russell, born c. 1976, of Main Street, Bainsford, Falkirk FK2 – failed to seek veterinary help for a dog with a deep wound to his neck.
George Moffat and his mother, Kerry Russell, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their dog, Banjo, by failing to provide him with appropriate care and treatment and not seeking veterinary advice for a chronic skin laceration and swelling to his head.
The pair also admitted failing to ensure the needs of two dogs and four cats were met by exposing them to spilt paint, urine, faeces, household debris and knives and failing to allow them to exhibit normal behaviour by confining them with no access to appropriate outside areas for urinating and defecating, all contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Scottish SPCA inspector Robyn Gray visited the flat occupied by the pair on January 31, 2019, after receiving a report from a vet who had euthanised Banjo due to the severity of a wound on his neck.
She said: “We attended the home of the owners, Russell and Moffat, and found it to be littered with debris and the stench of stale urine was overpowering. On further investigation, there was faeces all over the premises and rubbish and litter across the floor and surfaces.
“It was found there were four cats and two dogs on the premises. Due to the concerns raised over Banjo and the condition of the property, we removed the animals to secure their welfare. One of the dogs did not belong to Russell and Moffat so was collected by the owner. All animals removed from the properly and were examined by a vet.
“We later questioned Moffat and Russell regarding the severe wound on Banjo’s neck. Moffat stated this happened after Banjo ran into a bush on 21 January, however, veterinary treatment for the wound wasn’t sought until 26 January.
Their defence solicitors said money and transport issues were behind why the dog was not taken to the vet but both accepted “more should have been done”.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Robyn Gray added, “This (was) a severe case of animal neglect which led to the unnecessary suffering of Banjo, resulting in him being put to sleep on veterinary advice.
“We are pleased this case has been dealt with this sentence handed down but it further highlights our push for tougher and more consistent punishments. The suffering Banjo faced was unnecessary and he could potentially have still been alive had veterinary attention and treatment been sought sooner.”
Sentencing | 135 hours of unpaid work each; both were banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires April 2029).
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