9 Jul 2013 Following a Scottish SPCA investigation, two Lanarkshire women have been banned from keeping dogs for three years after they admitted keeping their ten toy poodles and four French bulldogs in filthy, cramped conditions. Warning, you may find the images distressing. Fiona Harkness, 38, and Grace Harkness, 71, of Chapel Street, Carluke, pled guilty to causing their dogs unnecessary suffering under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 at Lanark Sheriff Court on Wednesday 3 July. When our inspectors visited the Harkness’ property in August 2012 we found the dogs, ranging in age from 10 months to 16 years old, living in filthy, cramped cages stacked on top of each other. There was no water available for the dogs to drink and their coats were covered in faeces and urine, with many of the poodles severely matted as a result of living in these conditions. The oldest dog, named Luxy, was severely underweight, suffering from advanced dental disease which was causing him a great deal of pain and he had badly infected eyes. Sadly Luxy’s condition had deteriorated to such an extent that a vet assessed he was too weak to withstand surgery and the only humane option was to put him to sleep. Fiona and Grace Harkness were ordered by the court to give up ownership of the remaining 13 dogs, which we seized and which will remain in our care until they are all found loving new homes. Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Gillian Dick said, “This was a case of gross neglect where the owners failed to provide their animals with the most basic requirements such as clean drinking water and a suitable place to live. “Eight dogs were kept in one room and six in another in small cages for long periods of time which resulted in them having to stand or lie in their own excrement. Both rooms had an overpowering stench of ammonia and it was clear from the build up of faeces and urine that the cages they were being kept in had not been cleaned out in quite some time. “We were shown to an outdoor area where the dogs were let out but the ground was covered in hazardous debris and bowls contained water which had turned green. “The owners have been involved in showing their dogs at championship level therefore they should be well aware of basic welfare and hygiene standards required by good practice. “We welcome the three year ban given to Fiona and Grace Harkness, however, in our opinion a life ban on keeping animals would have been an appropriate punishment as we believe they are unfit to provide animals with the proper care and attention they need.” SICK
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 11:24:23 +0000
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