Glasgow woman banned after cat with entropion needed surgery to remove masses from eye

A cat owner who let her pet suffer with a “painful” condition has been handed a seven-year ban from owning animals and a community payback order of 80 hours of unpaid work.

Chloe Cochrane, of Glaive Road in Glasgow’s Knightswood area, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment for her cat Max at Glasgow Sheriff Court on February 10.

Scottish SPCA investigators attended the property where the 23-year-old was living on October 9, 2020, and found her black and white male cat suffering from a painful eye condition.

Max’s right eye appeared “red, swollen and painful”, Scottish SPCA inspector Erwin said, “He was not opening his eye fully, the third eyelid was exposed and there was a brown discharge observed.”

The cat was taken to the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Lanarkshire for ongoing care and veterinary treatment, but on closer inspection Max was found to be suffering from a severe entropion – where the eyelid rolls inwards causing eyelashes and fur to rub painfully on the surface of the eye, damaging the cornea.

Multiple masses were also present in the upper and lower eyelids.

The inspector added: “Max underwent entropion correction surgery to make him more comfortable and prevent any further suffering.

“By failing to seek appropriate veterinary attention for Max’s eye, Cochrane caused him a great deal of unnecessary pain and suffering that could have been avoided with prompt veterinary care.

“We are pleased that a disqualification order has been granted which will ensure Cochrane can’t own or keep an animal for seven years.”

If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.