CONVICTED (2017) | William Dobbie, born 26 September 1986, previously of Dundas Street, Bathgate EH48 and more recently (2022) of Deanswood Park, Deans, Livingston EH54 8NZ – left three dogs to starve so badly their bones protruded through their skin.
Dobbie pleaded guilty to failing to provide the dogs, called Mitzi, Sugar and Kane, with appropriate and adequate nutrition and failing to obtain adequate veterinary treatment to treat their infestation with fleas.
The Scottish SPCA received a complaint in October 2016 about the way Dobbie’s animals were being treated. After meeting police outside the house, inspectors from the animal charity gained access to the property.
Inspector Jenni Surgeon said, “On entering the property I discovered a Staffordshire bull terrier in a cage behind the door with no access to food or water.
“She was extremely thin and her bones were protruding through her skin.
“The cage contained large quantities of faeces, some of which had mould, indicating the cage had not been cleaned for quite some time.
“There was a foul smell inside the property which was caused by the multiple deposits of faeces throughout the house.
“The property was very unhygienic which put the animals at risk of injury, disease and illness.
“There were two extremely underweight Jack Russell terriers roaming around the house, both of which had staining to their legs and lower abdomen which has most probably been caused by the pair lying in their own urine and faeces.
“We welcome the fact that Dobbie has been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down.
“We hope he will give serious consideration about his suitability to care for other animals in the future.
“Thankfully, the dogs have now received the proper treatment and have made a full recovery.”
Sentencing: Five-month restriction of liberty order. Banned from owning or keeping animals for just three years (expired July 2020).