Blackcraigs woman sentenced to two-year pet ban after being seen 'kicking her dog' in Kirkcaldy

A woman has been handed a two-year ban on owning pets and a £240 fine for failing to adequately care for her dog in Fife.

Scottish SPCA inspectors were called to a house at Blackcraigs, Kirkcaldy, on August 5, 2022, after a complaint was made to the charity’s helpline that a dog was “throwing herself off the back of a door” and was heard “trying to claw her way out”.

A further two calls were made after Allana Thomson was seen “kicking her dog” on the street.

The 38-year-old was “extremely volatile” towards Scottish SPCA inspectors and would not let them enter the property during a visit.

A warrant was subsequently granted and a female border collie, named Willow, was found “extremely nervous and fearful in nature”.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Stephanie Ross, said: “When we attended Thomson’s address she became very abusive and would not engage with us or let us enter the property.

“A warrant was granted and then executed and we attended at Thomson’s property and removed the dog, a female collie named Willow, from her care due to immediate concerns for the dog’s welfare.

“Willow was examined by one of our vets and found to be extremely nervous and fearful in nature.

“Whilst there was no physical evidence of injury on Willow by the time she was examined, her disposition suggested she had experienced something to make her very wary of human contact.

“Thankfully, in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres with support from the team she came on leaps and bounds and finally learned to trust people again.”

Thomson was taken to Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and pled guilty to failing to adequately care for her dog on October 24.

She was handed a two-year ban on owning dogs and a £240 fine, with a £20 victim supercharge.

Inspector Ross added: “We are pleased that Thomson received a ban, however given her behaviour we would have liked it to be for a longer period of time.

“Allana Thomson appears to be an extremely volatile and unpredictable individual. Willow was subjected to approximately five weeks of neglect and abuse in her care. Thomson proved unwilling to engage with the Scottish SPCA and did not seem to appreciate the severity of the situation.

“If anyone is concerned about the welfare of an animal they can call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”