Dog dies after being left alone for three days in Thurso house
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Thurso woman has admitted leaving her dog alone without food and water for three days.
The labrador, named Charlie, subsequently died but due to its age the incident was not said to have caused the death, Sheriff Neil Wilson heard at Wick on Wednesday.
Yvonne Macivor became emotional as the sad tale of how she lost her pet while she was away on a mercy mission to a friend was recalled at the court.
She feared she might also lose her two cats if a ban on keeping animals was imposed.
The 59-year-old admitted leaving the dog unattended and failing to make adequate provision for its welfare between September 9 and 12, last year, contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act of 2006.
The court was told that the animal's plight was discovered after a neighbour reported his constant barking to the police. Other witnesses went to the door and observed a strong smell of dog faeces.
Fiscal David Barclay said that police officers attended at the house in Riverside Terrace, Thurso, in the early hours and, looking through a window, observed the dog, which appeared to be struggling.
Mr Barclay continued: "He was trying to get to his feet but couldn't. Officers entered the house at 2.35am. The animal was clearly distressed and distraught and passed away at 3.45am."
The fiscal made the point that given the type of dog and its age of 14 years, that it was in the latter stages of its life. A vet who was called in said he was not in a position to directly link its death with the circumstances in which it was found.
In a statement Mcivor made to the police, she said that a family member had been asked to look after the dog but when officers investigated this, the person said that while there had been a passing reference to an arrangement sometime earlier it had "never come to fruition". Mcivor was under the impression that the dog was being cared for in her absence.
Mr Barclay said that the court was obliged to consider imposing an order on the accused banning her from keeping animals.
Fiona MacDonald said that Mcivor was “terrified” of her cats being removed if a ban on animals was imposed. The solicitor explained that Macivor had gone to help a friend in need and added: "The accused went there out of concern. She didn't think she would have been any length of time but she was."
Miss MacDonald said that Mcivor lives an isolated life and does not go out very much. The vet had checked her cats and concluded they were well cared for.
Sheriff Wilson explained that the relevant act banning someone from keeping animals was a blanket order and did not differentiate between various animals. However, he said he was not going to impose such an order.
Sentencing Mcivor, the sheriff said: "You probably don't need me to tell you that while you were away, your dog must have suffered. However, I am satisfied that you are providing good care to your cats."
Imposing a fine of £330, Sheriff Wilson cautioned the accused: "You now have a record so it's important you don't get yourself into such a situation again. I am sure you won't."
