A woman has admitted neglecting her dogs – leaving them to “scavenge” for food for up to six weeks.
Agnes McPhee did not provide her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Kai, and Rottweiler, Bruno, with adequate nutrition, and failed to take them to the vet to be treated for skin conditions and pressure sores.
Kai was 5kg underweight when he was found, while Bruno – who was eventually put to sleep due to a liver condition – was 10kg underweight.
McPhee, of Brimmondside, Bucksburn, admitted causing the dogs unnecessary suffering when she appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.
The 49-year-old also admitted exposing Bruno to urine and excrement, failing to provide and adequate resting area and confining him to a vehicle.
The offences took place between January 4 and May 4 last year at West Tullos Industrial Estate.
The court heard there had been reports of a dog – Kai – “scavenging from a bin” and that he “ravenously ate” anything offered to him by the vet once he was rescued.
Fiscal depute David Thorburn told the court: “The vet came to the conclusion this dog had been underfed and left to scavenge for food for up to six weeks.”
Kai, who was given antibiotic treatment, also had a number of skin lesions, and an area of infected skin around one of his hips which smelled.
Mr Thorburn said Bruno was seen to be “emaciated” and his ribs could be felt. The dog also had an infection, skin lesions and pressure sores. He told the court it would have been “obvious” to the owner that the dog needed medical attention.
Defence agent Charles Benzies said McPhee had suffered “extreme trauma” in her life, and added: “At the time this occurred she should not have been looking after dogs.”
Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence on McPhee for background reports, and a motion by the Crown for a disqualification order was also continued.