Fife woman given community service for fatal neglect of dog

Pet owner failed to take animal to vet as it suffered in pain from infection

A Fife woman has been sentenced to community service after her dog was so badly neglected it had to be put down.

Amanda Cleghorn, 39, from Glenrothes, was given a 90-hour order to be completed within five months after a court heard she failed to provide veterinary attention for her pet.

She appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on September 21 following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.

Cleghorn admitted causing Jasmine, her 11-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, to suffer unnecessarily with a womb infection and chronic joint disease.

Scottish SPCA inspector Andrew Gray said he was called out to Cleghorn’s home and discovered Jasmine in a lot of pain and barely able to walk.

“She was very thin with some bloating at the stomach area and also had discharge hanging from her rear end,” he said.

“Jasmine had been suffering from chronic painful osteoarthritis for months, if not years, and had been suffering from her womb infection for a number of weeks.”

He added: “Sadly, due to Jasmine’s condition and poor quality of life, a vet decided the kindest thing for her was to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.”

Mr Gray said the SSPCA welcomed the fact Cleghorn had been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down.

“We hope she will give serious consideration about her suitability to care for other animals in the future,” he said.

Staffordshire bull terrier Jasmine had to be put to sleep.