Siobhan Buchan, of Ferry Road Drive, Edinburgh was found guilty of not taking her dog to vet after ears cropped

WARNING: Graphic image below

A woman who failed to take her puppy to a vet after he was left with badly infected ears after she had them illegally cropped has faced court.

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 altered the Scottish SPCA about Ice’s illegally cropped ears.

Siobhan Isabella Stewart Buchan, of Ferry Road Drive, was found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on May 27. She has been banned from keeping more than one dog for three years.

Ice had his ears cropped in a painful and illegal procedure.

The 31-year-old claimed to the Scottish SPCA’s special investigations unit that she had purchased Ice from France, however the procedure is also illegal there.

Following the owner’s conviction, the dog has now been signed over into the care of the charity.

A Scottish SPCA 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.

The owner has been handed a three year ban on keeping more than one dog

“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.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”