CONVICTED (2024) | Mario Boncompagni, born c. 1981, of Robertson Road, Dunfermline KY12 0AP – failed to treat a puppy’s facial injuries and infection.
Boncompagni admitted causing his six-month-old pet, Max, to suffer by allowing tape or something similar to be placed around, and removed from, his muzzle. This had resulted in a full thickness bacterial infection of the soft tissue of the dog’s muzzle and face, evidenced by swelling and scabbing. Despite the dog’s obvious pain and discomfort Boncompagni failed to take him to a vet.
Prosecutors told the court that on February 13, 2022 a Scottish SPCA inspector visited Boncompagni’s then home in Lochgelly, Fife, to investigate a witness report regarding a dog with a swollen face and “skin hanging from its muzzle” – injuries which the witness said she was struggling to look at.
When the inspector arrived they saw the dog in the garden and noticed his face looked unusual, with skin “sticking out.”
Boncompagni refused the inspector access and said he would be “happy to allow” police in with a warrant.
Asked about the cause of Max’s injuries Boncompagni told the inspector that children were playing with craft material and stuck items to the dog’s muzzle which, once removed (by him), had caused the hair to come off.”
The inspector advised taking Max to the vet as soon as possible and Boncompagni said he would do so the next morning.
The Scottish SPCA inspector was told to come back with a warrant.
The inspector returned to her van and contacted police but then noticed the dog had been let out so approached him.
The inspector noted the face and muzzle were very swollen and there was some scabbing. She could also smell infection.
Max was seized and taken to a vet for examination. The vet noted scabbing and an old wound around the muzzle area and an “obvious bacterial infection” of soft tissue.
Boncompagni pleaded guilty to causing the dog unnecessary suffering between January 12 and February 13 2022.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Russel McPhate told the court that his client was working full-time and studying part-time and had “not got round” to taking the dog to a vet.
Sheriff William Gilchrist fined Boncompagni £300 and made an order depriving him from owning Max. No disqualification order was made.
A Scottish SPCA inspector said: “We are disappointed that Boncompagni was only issued a small fine.
“The dog was clearly suffering from a nasty bacterial infection in his mouth that exhibited a strong smell and caused significant swelling.
“There was obvious full thickness of soft tissue caused by the bacterial infection which affected the outside of dog’s mid muzzle and face, which ultimately lead to unnecessary suffering.
“Boncompagni failed to seek veterinary attention for this clearly noticeable condition, that the veterinary expert advised had been present for at least four weeks.
“The dog has since been rehomed, which is the positive outcome we all strive for.”
Sentencing | £300 fine. Deprivation order for Max.