Ban and fine for woman
Dog was left for four days
A Hamilton woman who left a Jack Russell-chihuahua cross unattended with no food or water for four days has been banned from keeping dogs for two years and fined £450.
Janelle Johnstone was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, following an investigation from the Scottish SPCA.
The 36-year-old, of Albert Terrace, had pleaded guilty to leaving her pet, named Angel, unattended at a previous address in Strathaven earlier this year.
Johnstone admitted failing to provide food and water for Angel from January 1 to 4.
Sheriff Andrew Mcintyre disqualified Johnston from owning or keeping a dog for two years and fined her £450, reduced from £500 due to her guilty plea.
Johnstone was ordered to pay the fine in instalments of £20 per fortnight.
Commenting on the case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Heather Lawson said: “Poor Angel had been left alone without food or water for several days.
“There were faeces present in bathroom, kitchen and hallway of property.
“Thankfully Angel didn’t come to harm but anything could have happened as she was left alone for a period of time.
“We’re pleased to say that Angel will soon the the be looking to find her loving forever home.”
She added: “Whilst we are pleased that Johnstone has been dealt with by the courts, we currently feel sentencing for animal abuse is very inconsistent in Scotland and we would like to see an increase in the maximum jail sentence which would provide the sheriff with a greater range of options.
“We hope Johnstone will give serious consideration to her ability to care for animals in the future.”
Thankfully, Angel didn’t come to harm