CONVICTED (2020) | Violet Johnston, born 31 January 1971, of Knocklea, Biggar ML12 6EG – for starving her pet dog and failing to treat her painful ear infection; dog put to sleep

Johnston was charged with failing to provide an adequate diet for the eight-year-old dog named Picco and for failing to seek veterinary treatment for her.

The court heard how a Scottish SPCA inspector found Picco and another Boxer named Boe in a large dog crate in the kitchen. Picco was in a very poor condition, weighing just 13.54kg, which is almost half the recommended weight for a dog of her breed. She was very thin and her spine was visibly protruding.

The dogs and two cats were removed from Johnston’s address and taken into the SSPCA’s care. A third cat was outside at the time.

Scottish SPCA inspector Sian Robertson said, “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.

“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.

“On veterinary examination, Picco’s body score was given as 1/5 where five is top condition.

“She was found to have a mammary mass and an ear infection that was causing inflammation and infection, causing pain and discharge from her ears. The smell was obvious and pungent.

“It was clear to our team that Picco needed urgent care and treatment. The fact the health issues and starved frame were not picked up by Johnston shows how incapable she was of providing Picco with the care she needed.

“The saddest thing about this case is that Picco had to be euthanised for an unrelated health issue. She had marked spondylosis at several points along her spine which was having an effect on her quality of life, as well as having several other chronic degenerative conditions.

“Sadly, the vets made the decision that the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep to end further suffering.”

Sentencing: six-month community payback supervision order. two-year-ban on keeping animals (expired January 2022).

EdinburghLive