CONVICTED (2022) | Patricia O’Donnell aka Claire O’Donnell, born 29 December 1987, and fiancé Bryan Smith, born 9 November 1982, both of Kennelburn Road, Chapelhall, near Airdrie ML6 8TG – left their pet Labrador to waste away to ‘skin and bones’ and failed to treat their elderly shih-tzu’s serious health conditions.
O’Donnell and Smith, who are parents, were responsible for two dogs, one of whom was found to be severely emaciated and the other gravely ill when Scottish SPCA workers attended their home in April 2021.
Smith pleaded guilty to failing to provide a nutritionally adequate diet for Romanian rescue dog Luna, who was extremely underweight with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding through her skin.. She was extremely timid and cowered when approached.
O’Donnell pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to her elderly dog, Millie. She was suffering from dental disease and her ears were full of tumours. Very sadly, she had to be euthanised to end her extreme suffering.
O’Donnell received a £250 fine, while Smith received a 12-month supervision order and 75 hours unpaid work. Neither owner was banned from keeping animals.
John Chisholm Scottish SPCA chief inspector, said: “We attended the property in April 2021 following complaints to our animal helpline of dog neglect.
“The reports described a Labrador cross type dog at the property who was extremely underweight and would often cower away. The dog was described by one caller as ‘skin and bone’ with their back end protruding.
“O’Donnell explained that her Labrador cross, Luna, was a Romanian rescue and they were working hard to get her to a healthy weight.
“Upon seeing Luna we were immediately concerned as she was severely emaciated, with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding.
“O’Donnell claimed that Luna had been seen by a vet and they had been given dietary advice. However, she could not recall any information regarding this. She also changed her story around this multiple times.
“Concern grew for Millie’s welfare and O’Donnell was cautioned.”
Inspector Chisholm continued: “Millie was scruffy in appearance and had areas of matted and tangled fur to her underside and around her ears.
“Concern grew for Millie’s ears and she was given a general anaesthetic in order to examine them fully.
“Once a large volume of thick black wax was removed, the procedure revealed Millie’s ears were full of tumours.
“Veterinary professionals advised her prognosis for recovery was poor, but she could be made comfortable with medication for the time being. She had not been treated for this previously, and was undoubtedly caused suffering.”
The charity have now hit out at what they consider a lenient punishment for the couple, and have expressed their frustration that the pair were not banned from keeping animals.
Inspector Chisholm added: “Both dogs were taken in to our care and Millie was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice due to underlying health conditions.
“Luna made a full recovery and has been rehomed to a loving home.
“It is extremely disappointing that considering the amount of suffering that was caused to Millie and Luna, a harsher sentencing was not given.
“O’Donnell and Smith have clearly shown that they were not able to provide their animals with the care they needed, and we would have hoped this to be reflected in a ban on owning or keeping animals.”
Sentencing | O’Donnell received a £250 fine, while Smith received a 12-month supervision order and 75 hours of unpaid work.
No punishment at all , sickening. Should have been banned from keeping any animals for life .
She’s on the Chapelhall Facebook page looking for a pet carrier and puppy training classes, so she’s already torturing some poor other dog.
Disgusting!