Tag Archives: Aberdeenshire

Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers

Woodside, Aberdeen: Paul Kerr

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CONVICTED (2022) | serial animal abuser Paul Kerr, born 25 December 1977, of Clifton Road, Aberdeen AB24 4EL – starved his dog to emaciation.

Paul Kerr was already known to the SSPCA after being reported for failing to feed the same dog (Molly, pictured) a proper diet.

Kerr failed to provide adequate nutrition for his dog Molly. When she became abnormally thin, he neglected to take her a vet or seek advice for the health conditions she was suffering.

Molly was found to be “emaciated” by Scottish SPCA inspectors, who were able to feel her ribs and spine by running a hand along her body.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Fiona McKenzie, said, “On September 17, 2019, we received a call from a concerned member of the public about a dog at an address on Clifton Road that was not being fed properly.

“Paul Kerr was known to the Scottish SPCA as we had attended the property in January 2017 following a similar complaint. At the time, Molly was found to be underweight and her ribs and spine were visible.

“An animal welfare notice was issued and Kerr was advised to take Molly to his local PDSA veterinary practice for regular weight checks and feeding advice. Kerr complied with the notice and when we last saw Molly in July 2017 she was in good body condition.

“After a few attempts to contact Kerr, we finally gained entry to the property on 20 September 2019. On seeing Molly, it was visibly evident that she was emaciated. Molly’s bones were visible and could be easily felt by running a hand along the dog. She appeared bright otherwise.

“Paul Kerr was asked if he had taken Molly to the vet recently and he said his PDSA registration was out of date and needed to be renewed. He claimed Molly was fed three to four feeds a day consisting of wet and dry food but that she often had diarrhoea.

“Molly was immediately removed from the property due to concerns for her welfare and taken to a vets to be examined. Blood tests were carried out but no underlying medical cause could be found for her weight loss.

“Molly was taken in to the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres, and when I examined her six days later she had already gained 1.3kg in weight and her coat was glossy. She had no vomiting or diarrhoea.

“Molly continued to gain weight with no issues while in our care. She received no specialist treatment other than being fed a diet which was easily digestible.

“It was extremely disappointing to find Molly in such poor condition again. From the previous experience Kerr should have known and recognised Molly’s weight loss and ensured she received an adequate diet to prevent her suffering.

“It’s incredibly concerning that Kerr had not learned from the first investigation in that he allowed it to happen again and for Molly to get in even worse condition than the first time.

“We are pleased that Paul Kerr has been banned from keeping dogs for three years.

“However, at one point, Molly’s weight was 15.85kg after our first intervention in 2017. To allow her to lose 5kg and not recognise a problem or show concern is deeply worrying and we would have liked him to have received a longer ban.

“We hope Kerr will seriously consider his ability to look after any animal in the future.

Sentencing | fined £135. Three-year ban on keeping dogs.

STV News
Aberdeen Live

Additional Information

Paul Kerr’s wife Leanne Kerr(pictured) faced the same charges as her husband, but it appears that the case against her didn’t proceed.

abattoirs / animal slaughter, farms / smallholdings, Food Production, Veterinary Malpractice, Worst of the Worst

Fyvie, Aberdeenshire: Wesley Gracey

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CONVICTED (2022) | cattle farmer Wesley Gracey, born c. 1960, of Tehillah Farm, Moss-side of Gight, Fyvie, Turriff AB53 8LY – set about a distressed cow with an electric cattle prod.

“Over-exuberant” farmer Gracey, a partner in livestock firm W&J Gracey, misused an electric cattle prod on a “stubborn” cow, who suffered multiple lesions and bruising all over her body.

Gracey used the device on both sides of the animal’s neck, her ribs. and hind quarters during a cruel incident, which lasted approximately four minutes.

The cattle farmer resorted to the unlawful action after the cow refused to leave his truck at a slaughterhouse.

Gracey had driven six cows to the Scotbeef abattoir in Inverurie, where all but one of the cattle left the transporter.

Despite attempts to “cajole” the animal after she had sat down in the truck, she would not be moved.

But in turning to the use of a cattle prod, Gracey went well beyond what is legally allowed.

Fiscal Deputy Lewis Devoy told the court that the prod can only be used on an animal’s hindquarters and only for a maximum of one-second bursts.

The animal was eventually slaughtered in situ. A post-mortem found “multiple lesions” and bruising around the shoulders, neck, back and hindquarters, as a consequence of the electric prod.

Gracey admitted a charge under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the Animal Health Act 1981, of repeatedly applying the electric prod, causing suffering.

The farmer had also faced a charge under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, of causing the cow unnecessary suffering with the prod and by repeatedly kicking it, but the Crown accepted his plea of not guilty.

A not guilty plea to a third charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner was also accepted.

Defence agent John McLeod said his client had “been a farmer for decades” adding that he buys and sells a “large volume of cattle” throughout the year. On this occasion he had been “overexuberant” in his use of the prod.

He concluded “There are half a dozen people visible in the CCTV observing all this going on, as if to suggest it’s a process not entirely unheard of.”

Sentencing | fined £790.

Press and Journal

Wesley Gracey’s son James Gracey, a vet at the Meadows Veterinary Centre with branches in Oldmeldrum and New Deer, Aberdeenshire, has had his licence to practice suspended for six months by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). His suspension came after he was found guilty of dishonesty and animal welfare charges in relation to cows owned by his father.

Corrupt vet James Gracey
Corrupt vet James Gracey

The RCVS found Gracey had signed Food Chain Information forms in relation to the cows without declaring any conflict of interest.

It was also found he had signed an emergency slaughter form stating a cow had not been administered treatment within the previous week when it had. On a separate occasion, he also signed a form stating a cow was fit for travel when it was not.

The RCVS found his conduct in relation to the proven charges risked undermining public health and animal welfare, and in relation to the emergency slaughter form his conduct was dishonest and misleading.

Gracey, who was born in Northern Ireland, lives at the Tehillah Farm, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 8LY.

Full story: Press and Journal

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire: Stephen MacDonald

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CONVICTED (2022) | Stephen MacDonald, born 20 April 1985, of 16 Albert Place, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie AB51 0HE – kept four dogs in filthy conditions with no water.

The conditions in which Stephen Macdonald kept a Labrador and lurcher were so atrocious that the poor dogs had started to gnaw their way through a wooden door to try to escape.

Stephen MacDonald pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable living environment for a female Labrador, a female lurcher and two Cane Corsos,

MacDonald, who was described in court as having an “indifference” to animal welfare, kept two of the dogs in a dark squalid shed with no access to fresh air, food or water while two others were found in a filthy kennel in his back garden.

Scottish SPCA inspector Alexandra Campbell said: “We attended the address at Albert Place after a member of the public contacted us with concerns that another resident there was breaching an existing ban on owning or keeping dogs.

“On further investigation is was determined that the dogs belonged to Stephen MacDonald.

“On attending the property we discovered a filthy kennel and run in the back garden.

“Two cane corsos were being kept in the urine-soaked run with a build-up of several days’ worth of faeces.

“There was one large bowl of food left indicating the dogs would be left for long periods of time.

“There were two empty water bowls meaning both dogs had no access to water.

“Our visit was conducted on a day where the temperature was 20 degrees Celsius, with the day prior recording highs of 28 degrees Celsius.

“Inside the run was a small, wooden kennel only adequate for one dog this size.

“There was a strong smell of ammonia from the enclosure.

“Whilst there we noticed noise coming from the garden shed.

“A gap of gnawed wood at the bottom of the shed door showed two dogs trying to get out.

“On opening the shed we found a female Labrador and a female lurcher.

“Both dogs were being kept locked inside the shed without any ventilation or light.

“The floor was bedded with sawdust but this was littered with several days’ worth of faeces, again there was a strong smell of ammonia throughout.

“There was only one empty metal dog bowl inside the shed which was completely empty.

“Neither of the dogs had access to food or water and, given the lack of ventilation or fresh air within the shed, this was a significant concern on a hot day.

“On closer inspection we found that there were several rusty nails protruding from the door above the chewed hole where dogs had been trying to get out.

“The dogs were immediately removed from the premises due to concerns for their welfare and taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.

“On arrival all four dogs were offered water and each appeared extremely thirsty, finishing the bowls of water offered.

“All of the dogs involved went on to be rehomed and we’re glad they’ll now be receiving the proper care and attention they deserve.

“We’re pleased that MacDonald received a ban on keeping dogs but given his ties to an individual already convicted of animal cruelty offences we are disappointed it’s not for a longer timeframe.

“He has clearly demonstrated a lack of ability to provide even the most basic of care, such as water, for his animals.”

Sentencing | 12-month supervision order with 120 hours of community service. Five-year ban on owning or keeping dogs.

Grampian Online
Aberdeen Live
Press & Journal

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire: Brodie Burns

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CONVICTED (2022) | Brodie Alexander Burns, aka Brodie Geddes, born c. 1996, of Willowbank Road, Peterhead AB42- caught on camera punching his dog.

Brodie Burns and the Staffy he attacked.


Footage of Brodie Burns attacking the unnamed Staffordshire bull terrier in Berryden Road, Peterhead while Stewart looked on went viral and the pair tracked down by police.

Burns later admitted repeatedly kicking and punching the pet on April 24, 2021.

Still from the horrific video footage shows Burns laying into the dog while Stewart watched.

He and his partner Lesleyann Stewart were initially both charged after the video was widely shared on social media platforms. They both denied the offence during an earlier court appearance.

Unbelievably Lesleyann Stewart had her not guilty plea accepted by the court.

Burns changed his plea in March 2022 while Stewart, despite being present during the attack and doing nothing to intervene, had her not guilty pleas accepted.

Burns was given a supervision order and curfew. As he was not banned from keeping animals, he will be allowed to keep the dog he attacked.

He also admitted a charge of assault to injury and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

After pleading guilty, he told Sheriff Christine McCrossan: “I love my dog. I love it … it was just a stupid mistake.”

After calling for background reports and a restriction of liberty order assessment, she handed Burns a period of 12 months under social work supervision and a three-month curfew. He was not banned from owning animals.

Press and Journal

Dogs

Inverurie, Aberdeenshire: Jenny Gray

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CONVICTED (2022) | Jennifer A Gray, born 4 February 1980, of 14 Upperboat Road, Inverurie AB51 3WF – allowed her pet dog to become emaciated, with an open leg wound and bleeding lesions across his body.

Neighbours intervened after Jenny Gray starved and neglected her pet dog, Scooby, who is shown after his recovery in the care of the SSPCA.
Neighbours intervened after Jenny Gray starved and neglected her pet dog, Scooby, who is shown after his recovery in the care of the SSPCA.

The neglect inflicted on springer spaniel Scooby also saw him suffer severe dental disease and a matted coat thick with grease and dirt.

It was determined that his owner, Jenny Gray, had caused the animal unnecessary suffering over two months.

Gray pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to provide appropriate care and nutrition to Scooby and of neglecting to seek veterinary advice on his injuries between September 11 2020 and November 11 2020.

The court hear that Gray’s neighbours had become concerned about the condition of the dog and had taken him in before alerting the SSPCA.

Inspectors found that the dog had suffered unnecessarily due to being emaciated and having lesions across his body, no fat over his legs, spine or hips and loss of muscle over his head.

Inspectors also discovered an open wound on Scooby’s leg, gum recession, sunken eyes and his coat was thick with grease and dirt.
The neglect was assessed as having lasted around two months.

Gray’s lawyer told the court his client had acquired the dog as a puppy but that as he had got older [he] “seemed to prefer to be outside” adding that he also seemed “to have a failing appetite”.

He added: “Whilst her attention was elsewhere, the dog ended up much further down the queue until some neighbours took it in before reporting it to SSPCA.

“She is horrified about the information that has been relayed concerning the dog’s condition – it was a cherished animal.

“Thankfully there have been no similar incidents and she has decided not to have any further animals as pets.”

Sentencing: community payback order with 12 months of supervision. Five-year disqualification order (expires March 2027).

Press & Journal

Dogs

Grange, Banffshire: Richard and Lesley Reynolds

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CONVICTED (2022) | Richard Duncan Reynolds, born c. 1966, and wife Lesley Reynolds, aka Lesley Davies, born c. 1963, both of Sillyearn Schoolhouse, Grange, Keith, Banffshire AB55 6TL – failed to take their desperately unwell dog to the vet and left him in severe pain.

Richie Duncan Reynolds. Picture: Facebook.
Richie Duncan Reynolds. Picture: Facebook.

Richie Reynolds and Lesley Reynolds pleaded guilty to failing to seek veterinary treatment for their dog, Patch.

Patch was left to suffer with a catalogue of untreated health conditions which included severe chronic dental disease, a severe case of ear mites, mitral valve disease, suspected renal disease and a low body condition score.
Patch had extensive tartar build--up on his molars which caused his gums to recede.
Patch had extensive tartar build–up on his molars which caused his gums to recede.

The court heard that the 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel would have been in a considerable amount of pain and suffering for a number of months. There was no credible reason why this would have not been recognised by the Reynolds.

Very sadly, the little dog was so poorly vets decided to put him to sleep on welfare grounds.

Richie Duncan Reynolds. Picture: Facebook.

Scottish SPCA inspector Amanda Watson said: “Sadly the difficult decision was made by a vet to put Patch to sleep to end his suffering.
“Patch was unclean, depressed and almost collapsed when we took him to be examined by a vet.

“He had at least six lumps of matted faeces attached to various parts of his body.

“He was in an emaciated body condition and weighed just four and a half kilos. The average weight of a male cavalier King Charles spaniel usually ranges from six to eight kilos.

“On top of this, Patch had a grade three to four pansystolic heart murmur, a considerable amount of tartar covering his molars and pre molars causing his gums to recede, and gave no indication that he had any sight.

“Upon further examination of his eyes his reactions were consistent with having keratitis which would have caused Patch a lot of pain.

“These issues did not appear overnight and poor Patch would have been caused a considerable amount of discomfort and pain over a long period of time.

“A post-mortem of Patch revealed that he had severe chronic dental disease, a severe case of ear mites, mitral valve disease, suspected renal disease and a low body condition score.

“Patch had been severely neglected over a long period of time.

Comments on Facebook alleged that the Reynolds had neglected dogs in their care before.
Comments on Facebook alleged that the Reynolds had neglected dogs in their care before.

“Although we’re glad that Reynolds has received a fine we would have liked for both him and Lesley Reynolds to have received a ban on keeping animals due to the disregard they showed for Patch’s well-being in this case, which undoubtedly contributed towards his death.

“We hope they seriously reconsider their ability to care for any animal in future.”

Sentencing: Richard Reynolds was fined £480 while his wife was admonished. No ban was imposed by the court.

Grampian Online
Daily Record


Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Kincorth, Aberdeen: Thomas Robertson

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CONVICTED (2021) | Thomas ‘Tomo’ Robertson, born 20 May 1994, of 38 Provost Watt Drive, Aberdeen AB12 5NA – repeatedly beat his female bulldog over the head and body with an axe handle, his fists and a dog lead, leaving her with bruising, flesh wounds and bald patches.

Violent thug Tomo Robertson took his “anger issues” out on a defenceless dog.

Unemployed Robertson was caught after Scottish SPCA officers paid a visit to his home in Aberdeen.

Inside they found a 15-month-old bulldog named Nala, who was so traumatised she would become “frozen with fear” if a man entered the room.

Nala endured multiple violent attacks by sadistic Robertson.

Fiscal despite Jen Pritchard told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that SSPCA inspectors had been tipped off from a concerned neighbour in the early hours of October 16, 2020.

“On arrival, they were met by the accused,” she said. “They advised him that someone had overheard a dog being possibly mistreated in the early hours.

“He showed the officers the dog, whose name was Nala. The female bull-type dog was in the kitchen behind and being kept behind a stair gate.”

Despite inflicting horrific violence on bulldog Nala, Robertson only received a four-year ban on owning dogs.

The inspectors suspected Nala had been beaten given there was bruising to her head and marks on her neck.

Robertson’s girlfriend told them she had been asleep but “did hear Nala yelping when she woke up”, the court heard.

As the inspectors were leaving an officer noticed a wooden handle in Anderson’s home and asked him if it had been used on Nala.

“He said it was a shaft of an axe but denied using it on the dog,” the fiscal added.

A vet later examined Nala and immediately spotted wounds that were “consistent with that of a beating” as well as evidence that a blunt object has been used.

It was during that examination that it became clear Nala had been traumatised and was now nervous around men.

“A male veterinary surgeon entered the all-female room and Nala was visibly scared and frozen in fear until he left the room,” the fiscal added.
“She was nervous but relaxed during the examination. Her demeanour only changed when a male colleague entered the room.”

Nala was found to have bruising to her right ear that was “painful upon touching” and that the vet deemed had occurred in the previous 48 hours.

There was also bruising on her chin, full-thickness skin injuries on her ear, rib cage, both shoulders, her neck and her hip. Further healing injuries were spotted on Nala’s left hind leg.

She had hairless areas on her shoulder and neck and the skin injuries were deemed “consistent with being hit repeatedly with an object”.
‘She would have been severely distressed’

“The surgeon stated that for her to have been beaten in this manner would have caused the dog fear and alarm,” the fiscal added. “She would have been severely distressed.”

Nala was taken to the SSPCA’s local rescue and rehoming centre at Drumoak, where she remains and is doing “much better”.

Defence agent Ian MacGregor said Robertson’s own admissions to social workers had actually provided a more “graphic” account of Nala’s abuse than that heard by the court.

“His conduct was absolutely appalling,” he said. “He has had issues in his life with respect to dealing with anger and he has taken steps previously off his own back to be seen by a psychiatrist in that regard.”

Robertson admitted causing the dog unnecessary suffering.

Sheriff Margaret Hodge told him: “What I am told in the social work report does cause me concern about your propensity to violence, which was demonstrated by what you did to this dog.”

Sentencing: community payback order with one year of supervision and 100-day curfew. Banned from keeping or owning a dog for four years (expires December 2025).

Press and Journal

Equine Abuse, horse traders, horses and ponies

Kintore, Aberdeenshire: Margaret Greaves

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CONVICTED (2021) | Margaret (Margie or Margs) Greaves, born 8 September 1955, of Balbithan, Kintore, Inverurie AB51 0UQ – allowed a pony to suffer in severe pain for at least a week.

Animal abuser Margie Greaves from Inverurie and the young horse in her care who had to be put down


Greaves, who breeds and shows Shetland ponies under the name ‘Chapelhill’ delayed having Il-month-old Zafira put down, even though the animal was unable to walk and had a wound that was worn down to the bone.

Greaves told the court she did so in the hope it would remedy itself, despite vets saying the pony should be euthanised.

The court heard how between June 28 and July 4, 2020, Zafira had suffered an injury caused by fence wire.

Zafira was eventually put down, but only after ‘at least seven days’ of suffering, having endured necrosis and infection.

Animal abuser Margie Greaves from Inverurie

Greaves admitted allowing the pony to ‘suffer unduly’ in her care at a farm steading at Balcraig, near Kintore, Aberdeenshire.

Sheriff Graeme Napier told Greaves that in light of the pain and suffering she caused Zafira he would fine her £3,375. However, he did not disqualify her from working with horses.

Press Reader

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Inverurie, Aberdeenshire: Stacy McPhee

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CONVICTED (2021) | puppy farm dealer Stacy Mcphee aka Ashley Dentley, born 27 August 1997, of 25 Aquhorthies Circle, Inverurie AB51 3NB – sold seriously ill dogs on Gumtree.

Puppy farm dealer Stacy Mcphee from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

Stacy McPhee, a traveller, sold puppies Brodie, Alfredo and Roxy claiming they had all been checked by a vet – but all three suffered from serious illnesses including heart murmurs.

One was even left “shaking uncontrollably” with pneumonia, which McPhee brushed off as a “cough” due to her having a “short nose”.

Witnesses paid hundreds of pounds for the dogs and quickly discovered the health problems after taking the puppies home – but McPhee ignored their attempts to contact her.

Puppies missold by puppy farmer Stacy McPhee

Sheriff Margaret Hodge declined to hear a narrative of events read in open court, but the document, seen by local newspaper the Evening Express, states a witness and her partner replied to an advert on Gumtree advertising cockapoo puppies for sale in the Inverurie area on December 10 2019.

The advert, posted by McPhee under the false name “Sarah”, stated all puppies were microchipped and vet checked and were selling for £600.

Later the same day the witness attended an address in Ellon to view the puppies.

After asking about vaccination details, McPhee said she would speak to the vet who would send on the information.

McPhee, who was still using the name Sarah, then handed the couple a microchip card and number.

After buying the puppy, who they named Brodie, the couple returned home but quickly noticed he was “constantly itching his ears”.

They took Brodie to Ashgrove Vets where he was found to have ear mites and a heart murmur, as well as not being microchipped.

The vet’s suspicions were raised and there were fears Brodie may have originated from a puppy farm.

Brodie was given treatment but three days later his owner noticed he was suffering from diarrhoea and passing blood.

Puppy farm dealer Stacy Mcphee from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

A second visit to the vet confirmed Brodie was suffering from Giardia, a parasite of the gut lining, and the vet suspected he had not been vaccinated.

The vet concluded Brodie had “likely been in considerable discomfort for some time while on the breeder’s premises”.

The couple shelled out £455 in vet fees and received no response from McPhee when they tried to inform her Brodie was ill.

They also never received the promised vaccination information.

Puppy farm dealer Stacy Mcphee from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

In a second incident, a witness replied to a Gumtree post advertising “Cavachon puppies”, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise cross, for sale in Inverurie for £550.

The post, this time under the name “Arron”, said the puppies were microchipped and vet checked.

The witness and her husband went to see the puppy at the same Ellon address on December 29 2019 and were met by McPhee, who told them the little dog was chipped and vaccinated.

They bought the animal, who they called Alfredo, for £550 and took him home on January 3, soon after noticed he was suffering from bloody diarrhoea.

The puppy was taken to Mintlaw veterinary practice and diagnosed with a heart murmur, Giardia and also Isosproa, an intestinal infection.

The vet concluded Alfredo “suffered unnecessarily as a result of his poor start in life”, adding: “His poor body condition and low bodyweight indicate that he had likely been suffering from the diarrhoea before he was sold, probably for at least a few days.”

There was no indication any vet attention had been sought before Alfredo was sold, with his new owners not being advised of his condition and having to pay almost £300 for treatment.

McPhee again did not respond to attempts to contact her by Alfredo’s owners.

Puppy farm dealer Stacy Mcphee from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

In a third incident, another witness replied to a Gumtree ad for “King Charles” pups for sale in Aberdeen for £550.

The witness arranged to see the puppy on January 27 2020 and McPhee said the animal had been vet checked.

When viewing the puppy, the witness noticed she had a cough, but McPhee said it was because she had a “short nose” and that her mother was the same.

Puppy farm dealer Stacy Mcphee from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

McPhee said the puppy, named Roxy, was microchipped and the witness bought her for £550 and took her home.

The witness became increasingly concerned about the “chesty” cough on the way home, and on arrival Roxy began to “shake uncontrollably”.

An emergency vet appointment was made, and a surgeon was concerned Roxy was suffering from “severe aspiration pneumonia” and recommended she remain at the clinic as she could become “oxygen dependent”.

There were also signs of the Giardia antigen.

Roxy spent days being being nursed in a hospital at a cost of £500 and “may end up having lifelong consequences from this poor start in her life”, the vet predicted.

Again there was no evidence that McPhee had sought vet attention for Roxy, and again ignore calls from the buyers.

McPhee pled guilty to three charges of causing puppies unnecessary suffering by failing to provide appropriate care and treatment or get veterinary advice.

During the hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, defence agent Jennifer Pritchard said her client’s partner left her feeling like she had “no option” other than to breed the puppies and assist him with that.

She added: “It’s not a relationship where she would be in a position to question him.

“She fully accepts, despite that, she should have paid greater attention to these puppies.”

Ms Pritchard said McPhee was “extremely regretful” and “ashamed” that the animals had suffered ill health and the buyers suffered distress.

She added her client had experienced “negatives” after her address was published on social media.

Sheriff Hodge told McPhee: “I’m persuaded you’re perhaps a vulnerable person and perhaps being taken advantage of.”

She ordered McPhee to be supervised for six months and banned her from keeping dogs for three years.

Following the hearing McPhee hid her face as she left court and, asked if she was sorry for causing the dogs suffering, remained silent.

An SSPCA spokeswoman said: “We welcome the sentence and the three-year ban is an ideal disruption tactic for someone such as McPhee who was a prolific offender and caused immeasurable heartbreak to people who bought sick animals from her.

“We would urge members of the public not to buy from individuals like McPhee as no thought is given to the welfare of the animal; only how much money can be made.”

Sentencing: six-month supervision order. Three year ban on keeping dogs (expires August 2024).

Grampian Online
Scotsman

Animal Abandonment, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies

Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire: Gail Vines

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CONVICTED (2021) | Gail Vines, born c. 1957, of Kinnear Square, Laurencekirk AB30 1UL – banned from keeping horses after pony found in terrible condition covered in lice and open wounds

Vines is well known to the SSPCA who have dealt with her in the past and provided guidance on how to care for her animals.
Vines is well known to the SSPCA who have dealt with her in the past and provided guidance on how to care for her animals.

Vines, who is originally from Shapinsay in Orkney, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to her pony, Eve, who would have died without treatment.

She pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate care and treatment, including nutrition, leading to the pony becoming emaciated and suffering from poor body condition, chronic diarrhoea, skin lesions and an infestation of lice.

The court heard Vines had been juggling a divorce, childcare and work, so had only been checking on her field of nine horses on the way home, shining a torch to check they were all there.

Eve was emaciated and suffering from skin lesions and lice when SSPCA inspectors found her
Eve was emaciated and suffering from skin lesions and lice when SSPCA inspectors found her,

She failed to notice Eve had become unwell and underweight due to redworms causing digestive issues and diarrhoea.

The SSPCA arrived at Sunnyside Farm in Drumoak, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday February 28, 2021, after a receiving a call from a concerned member of the public.

Inspector Fiona McKenzie said: “On attending we noticed the field was in a state of disrepair with numerous hazards that the ponies could become injured by such as loose fence posts and electric fencing wire on the ground.

“It also immediately became apparent that one of the ponies, Eve, was in extremely poor condition.

“She was standing on her own by the hay ring feeder with her head hanging down. Eve was emaciated and her hip bones and spine were clearly protruding. She was so weak, she had no energy and was listless.

“Eve was also covered in lice and had skin lesions. She was suffering from severe diarrhoea, which was later found to be caused by a heavy worm burden.

“It would have taken some time for Eve to get into this condition and it would not have happened overnight. She is incredibly lucky that she was found when she was as had she not received treatment she would have died.”

Eve is now doing well at an SSPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre and it is hoped she will be able to find a forever home soon.
Eve is now doing well at an SSPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre and it is hoped she will be able to find a forever home soon.

The Inspector continued: “We are pleased that Vines has been banned from keeping horses for five years and hope she will seriously consider her ability to look after any animal in future.

“I was absolutely shocked and disappointed by this case. Vines had received advice and assistance from the Scottish SPCA previous to this and should have prevented or recognised issues with her horses and addressed them.

“Eve was undoubtedly caused immense suffering over a period of several months. This suffering could have easily been avoided had the owner displayed good horsemanship. Her lack of daily care and feeding, along with routine worming, is good practice known by responsible horse owners.

“Vines’ failure to adhere to Scottish SPCA advice shows total disregard for her animal’s health and wellbeing.”

Sentencing: banned from keeping horses for five years (expires July 2026). Deprivation order in respect of Eve. The sheriff otherwise admonished Vines, meaning she faces no further punishment.

Daily Express