Dog put down after owner ignored ‘severely painful’ skin condition

Tragic Tairi: She had to be put down after her owner neglected her.Scottish SPCA

A woman has been convicted of dog neglect after failing to take her pet to a vet for treatment for a serious skin condition.

Lisa-Marie Watson, 27, from Alloa, also caused her crossbreed dog Tairi unnecessary suffering by failing to take her to provide her with food and water.

Watson was handed a three-year ban on keeping more than one dog at a time and also issued a £200 fine.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted to the neglect by local housing officers. The 14-year-old canine was removed from Watson’s property and examined by a vet who concluded she was in a state of near emaciation and suffering from a severe skin condition.

The dog was taken for treatment at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. However, her condition was deemed beyond treatment and it was decided to put her down.

Inspector Louise Seddon said: "This was a very sad case where the owner had ignored her dog's health to the point where she had become so unwell that it was impossible for her to recover.

"Tairi suffered in silence from a painfully inflamed skin condition which originated from an untreated flea infestation. Because this had been ignored infection spread and eventually her entire body, including inside her ears and under her eyelids, were affected.

"The vet who examined Tairi concluded that she had been caused severe discomfort and pain over a prolonged period of time.

"Furthermore, Tairi was extremely thin as a result of not being fed a proper, nutritious diet.

"Although we are pleased Watson has been convicted of this offence, we are disappointed that she did not receive an outright ban on keeping animals.

"We would have concerns for any animals remaining in Watson's care, particularly if they ever became ill and required veterinary attention."

Watson was sentenced at Stirling Sherriff Court.

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