Glasgow woman banned from owning animals after dog found with severe infection by Scottish SPCA

A Glasgow woman has been banned from keeping animals for five years after causing “unnecessary suffering” to her Staffordshire bull terrier which could have eventually killed her.

Alice McClymont, 46, pled guilty to failing to provide appropriate veterinary treatment for her dog, Tia, at Glasgow Sheriff Court on January 26.

After a Scottish SPCA investigation, Tia was found suffering from a skin and ear infection that was so severe that she had hair loss and broken skin all over her face and one eye was swollen shut.

Investigators were called to the Ryeside Road address in June 2019 after receiving a call about Tia who had allergies, hair loss and was repeatedly scratching.

She was found with a swollen face and red, raw broken skin on top of her head and across her right ear.

Tia’s right eye was closed due to the swelling on that side of her face.

The animal charity’s chief inspector Lara Vickery said: “The skin on her head and ears was crusty and her ears looked thickened and painful. There was also a foul odour and discharge coming from her ears which were a clear sign of infection. Tia’s ears were so painful that she flinched when anyone tried to touch them.

“Upon veterinary examination it was estimated that this problem had been going on for up to six months for Tia to get into the condition she was in.”

Tia recovered after receiving veterinary treatment. SSPCA

McClymont had also placed a cone around Tia’s head and duct-taped a sock to her hind leg to stop her from scratching herself.

The dog was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA and given veterinary treatment, and she recovered within four weeks.

Ms Vickery added: “We’re pleased McClymont has received a ban but given the level of suffering Tia endured we would have liked it to have been for a longer period of time. We hope she seriously considers her ability to look after any animal in future.”

McClymont was also handed a £180 fine and £10 victim surcharge.

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