Nine dogs euthanised after being found locked in cupboards amid 'horrific' neglect

A couple has been banned from owning animals after nine dogs found living in their faeces-covered home had to be euthanised.

William and Anna Wallace were found to be keeping more than a dozen Jack Russells and a German Shepherd locked in cupboards and cages at their home in Glasgow’s Tollcross.

The Scottish SPCA visited the address after a member of the public called to report concerns about the welfare of the animals living at the property.

An inspector noticed a strong smell of faeces and urine emanating from the front door.

William Wallace refused to allow access to the home and instead brought a number of Jack Russells he claimed to own to the door for the inspector to assess.

The dogs were found to be quiet and anxious, with long nails and faeces encrusted onto their paws.

At a follow-up visit, Anna Wallace allowed the inspector access to the kitchen, where the floor was found to be “heavily ingrained” with old and new animal faeces.

Two Jack Russells were found to be locked in a kitchen cupboard, with one described as extremely lame and struggling to walk.

During a further inspection of the property, Anna led more dogs into the kitchen, including a German Shepherd whose mouth was full of growths.

Around a dozen Jack Russells were found living in one room with the German Shepherd, with even more kept in a locked cupboard, some in dirty, rusty cages.

All the dogs were seized with assistance from additional Scottish SPCA Inspectors.

The dogs, which appeared to be in the most obvious need of treatment, were examined by vets.

The German Shepherd had mammary masses and suspected neurological issues and had to be euthanised on welfare grounds.

One Jack Russell’s eyelid was entirely ripped open, while others had ear infections, dental disease, matting, UTIs and skin issues.

Nine dogs overall were euthanised on welfare grounds.

William and Anna Wallace appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where they were sentenced to a lifetime ban on owning any animals indefinitely.

Inspector Cannon said: “This was a horrific case of gross neglect, with a huge number of animals being in such pain and suffering that veterinary surgeons advised euthanasia was the kindest option for many of them.

“The animals were kept permanently within a dirty and overcrowded environment, some stored within cupboards or spinning in circles within crates. Almost all of them were suffering with severe and painful health conditions and none of them were under the care of a veterinary surgeon.

“It is devastating that nine dogs had to be euthanised on veterinary advice. The surviving animals received the treatment and care they needed. This lifetime disqualification recognises the seriousness of the suffering these animals endured.”