Anna and William Wallace received lifetime bans from keeping animals after Scottish SPCA inspectors uncovered a shocking scene of neglect inside their home n Easterhill Street, Tollcross, Glasgow.
The case centred on dozens of dogs kept in filthy, cramped and dangerous conditions, including animals shut inside chained kitchen cupboards and rusty cages.
Nine dogs were euthanised on veterinary advice due to the severity of their suffering.
The Scottish SPCA first attended the property in August 2025 following a report of concern.
Inspector Cannon was met with an overwhelming smell of faeces and urine at the front door.
William Wallace refused entry and instead brought several Jack Russells to the door for inspection. The dogs appeared anxious, with long nails and faeces encrusted onto their paws.
A follow‑up visit granted access to the kitchen, where the floor was heavily ingrained with old and fresh faeces.
A chained cupboard drew the inspector’s attention when he heard sniffing from inside. William became visibly flustered but opened it, revealing two Jack Russells — one extremely lame and struggling to walk. More dogs were discovered throughout the property, including a German Shepherd with extensive growths in her mouth.
Around a dozen Jack Russells were found living in a single room with the German Shepherd, while additional dogs were confined within a locked cupboard and dirty, rusty cages.
Several inspectors were called in and all dogs were seized.
Veterinary examinations revealed severe and painful conditions including mammary masses, neurological issues, ripped eyelids, ear infections, dental disease, matting, urinary tract infections and skin problems.
Nine dogs were euthanised on welfare grounds.
Sentence
The case was heard at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 7 October 2026. Anna and William Wallace were both handed lifetime bans on owning or keeping animals. The court recognised the extreme suffering endured by the dogs and the dangerous, filthy conditions in which they were kept. Further sentencing details have not yet been published.
Scottish SPCA Statement
Inspector Cannon welcomed the court’s decision to ban the couple from ever owning animals again. He said: “This was a horrific case of gross neglect, with a huge number of animals being in such pain and suffering that veterinary surgeons advised euthanasia was the kindest option for many of them.
“The animals were kept permanently within a dirty and overcrowded environment, some stored within cupboards or spinning in circles within crates.
“Almost all of them were suffering with severe and painful health conditions and none of them were under the care of a veterinary surgeon.
“It is devastating that nine dogs had to be euthanised on veterinary advice. The surviving animals received the treatment and care they needed.
“This lifetime disqualification recognises the seriousness of the suffering these animals endured.”
At a Glance
- Defendants: Anna Wallace & William Wallace
- Address: Easterhill Street, Tollcross, Glasgow G32 8LE
- Offence Location: Tollcross, Glasgow
- Animals Involved: Dozens of dogs (primarily Jack Russells) and one German Shepherd
- Key Issues: Dogs kept in cupboards, filthy cages, faeces‑soiled environment, severe untreated medical conditions
- Euthanised: Nine dogs on veterinary advice
- Ban Length: Lifetime
- Court: Glasgow Sheriff Court
