CONVICTED (2022) | Siobhan Isabella Stewart Buchan, born 21 February 1991, of Ferry Road Drive, Pilton, Edinburgh EH4 – had her puppy’s ears illegally cropped, then failed to take him to the vet when they became badly infected.
The American bully puppy, named Ice, was just five months old when he had the painful procedure carried out which removed the flaps on both of his ears.
Subsequently the wounds from the surgery, which was of no benefit to the dog, were swollen and infected, causing Ice a huge amount of pain and distress.
In July 2020, a member of the public alerted the Scottish SPCA about Ice’s illegally cropped ears.
An SSPCA special investigations unit undercover inspector said; “When we attended it was clear that Ice’s ears had only recently been cropped.
“Both ears had partially healed, infected surgical wounds. Both ears showed signs of inflammation and infection and were visibly swollen, with sutures still present in both wound sites. It was clear that the pup needed immediate veterinary attention.
“We immediately removed the puppy for veterinary attention and both his ears were found to be infected.
“Buchan stated she bought the puppy from France, however the procedure is also illegal there.
“It is an immensely painful and unnecessary procedure for an animal to go through, even if provided with full expert veterinary attention. Any dog that has been subjected to this procedure will have suffered significantly, physical and mentally, and will have been put at huge risk to health and life from the use of drugs, by untrained personnel, to anaesthetise the animal prior to procedure.
“Buchan allowed Ice to suffer to a great extent without veterinary care in order to avoid police involvement, which has put him at great risk of both physical and psychological harm.
“We are pleased that Buchan will not be able to own any further dogs and we hope she will carefully consider her ability to care for any animal in the future.
“We’re pleased that this result means Ice has now been signed over into the care of the Scottish SPCA and we can find him the loving home he deserves”.
Sentencing | a three-year ban on owning more than one dog.