CONVICTED (2023) | Mary Walton, born c. 1960, and partner George Todd, born c. 1951, of Byron Street, Methil, Leven KY8 3JG – starved and neglected their pet dogs.

Mary Walton and George Todd, who had received a fiscal warning for animal neglect in 2017, received a lifetime ban on keeping animals after Rottweilers Beau, aged 4, and Nala, 2, were found starving and neglected.

Beau was described as emaciated and scored just one out of nine for body condition. Nala was little better, scoring just two out of nine in the assessment.

Procurator fiscal depute Catherine Stevenson told the court two Scottish SPCA inspectors went to the couple’s home on June 28, 2022, after receiving a report of concern about the welfare of dogs at the property.

The court heard the dogs were in the kitchen and Walton needed her partner to help get them out, describing the pets as “wild”.

The fiscal depute said: “When the dogs were allowed out of the kitchen, they threw themselves into the room and began rummaging around and started licking anything that resembled a bowl.”

The dogs were removed and taken to a vet in Livingston, West Lothian.

The fiscal depute continued: “Beau was found to be extremely underweight, scoring 1/9 for body condition, with visible bones – including ribs and pelvis – and muscle loss”.

The court heard Nala scored a 2/9 for body condition.

The vet found the dogs’ ribs and pelvic bones were prominent, they ate “greedily” when offered food, had head wounds consistent with fighting and Beau had sores on the pelvis due to lying on hard surfaces.

By September 2022 the dogs were reported to be “doing well” and had gained 22% of body weight in just over nine weeks.

The cruel couple, who represented themselves in court, pleaded guilty to causing Beau and Nala unnecessary suffering by failing to provide them with adequate nutrition.

They admitted failing to seek veterinary treatment for weight and muscle loss.

They admitted a third charge of failing to meet the needs of the animals to the extent required by good practice, on June 28.

Sheriff Maryam Labaki described it as a “harrowing case” in which two animals “were starved and neglected”.

The sheriff said Walton had given an explanation of “not coping” but Todd had shown “no remorse”.

She added: “Your attitude is quite frankly despicable in the face of suffering you have caused.

“The court will, in relation to both accused, impose lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping any animal”.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Robyn Gray, said, “We’re pleased that Mary Walton and George Todd received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals.

“The couple previously received a fiscal warning in 2017 and we are glad that this outcome will prevent further harm to animals in their care.

“Both dogs were caused unnecessary suffering which could have been prevented.”

Sentencing | lifetime ban on keeping animals.

The Courier