Target: Lord Advocate of Scotland Dorothy Bain KC — Scotland, United Kingdom
Goal: Seek review for possible appeal and tougher prosecution policy so starvation of a mother dog and eight puppies results in meaningful custody and a lifetime animal ownership ban.
A mother dog and eight puppies were severely malnourished after weeks of neglect. Rescuers discovered all nine confined in a bathtub with a running shower and a nearby crate heavily soiled with urine and feces. The accused pleaded guilty and was given community service, a brief curfew, and a five-year ban instead of jail.
Chronic underfeeding and confinement caused visible rib cages, weakness, and suffering. Officials had warned about feeding and vet care. The accused ignored advice and left an abusive message for the helpline. When a warrant was executed, officers found the dogs in squalor and one cage with only a heavily soiled pad.
Change is needed. Prosecutors should, where evidence supports it, pursue custody for egregious multi-victim neglect, resist charge bargaining that downplays harm, and seek lifetime bans with enforcement checks. Justice should reflect the seriousness of prolonged suffering and protect communities. Urge the Lord Advocate to review this sentence for possible appeal where law permits and to strengthen prosecution policy on severe neglect.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Lord Advocate Bain,
We are writing about the Edinburgh case where a mother dog and eight puppies were found emaciated in a bathtub and a filthy crate after prolonged neglect. Following guilty pleas, the court imposed unpaid work, a short curfew, and a five-year disqualification. This is inadequate for multi-victim, long-running harm.
We ask your office to review this outcome for possible appeal within statutory limits on the ground that the sentence may be unduly lenient given the number of animals and duration of suffering. We also urge strengthened COPFS guidance so prosecutors routinely file veterinary harm reports, resist pleas that minimize cruelty, and seek custody plus offender counseling where facts warrant it.
We further request support for lifetime disqualification orders and active enforcement checks in the worst cases. Firm action deters offending, supports inspectors, and protects both animals and the public.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Sudhir Sangwan
