Argyll farm dogs in so much pain and distress they had to be put down

A woman from Argyll has been given a three-year ban on owning animals and a supervision order of 18 months following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

Sheila Brolly, who lives in the village of Ford near Lochgilphead, has also been told to do work in the community for 18 months.

The dogs in her care were in such poor condition they had to be euthanized on welfare grounds.

The 64-year-old failed to provide veterinary care for her eight-year-old collie Dan and nine-year-old collie Goldie.

Visible tumours in dog’s mouth

Dan was suffering from a persistent ear infection and Goldie had several visible tumours in her mouth.

Complications from untreated medical conditions caused them such prolonged suffering that they had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

Brolly also failed to provide them with suitable living conditions including clean water or a comfortable resting place.

Brolly, of Torran Farm, Ford, pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering at Dunoon Sheriff Court on June 9 and was sentenced on November 10.

Scottish SPCA inspector Yvonne Sloss said: “We attended Brolly’s property in July 2020 following concerns for the two collies she kept on the premises.

“We found the dogs to be living in a metal trailer with some fencing around it to create a makeshift run.

“There was no bedding and not enough water to sustain two dogs, especially given the high temperature that day.

“There was a noticeable smell of infection coming from the two dogs.

“Dan appeared to be missing part of one ear, which Brolly said was the result of a fight with another dog several years ago. ”

She continued: “On closer inspection I was horrified to see that Dan had flesh falling away from both his ears. The smell of infection was overpowering and Dan was yelping when his head was touched.

“Goldie had several large growths in her mouth, which were so big they could be seen when she was panting.

“Her coat was matted and there was discharge and blood dripping from her jaw. Again, the smell of infection was incredibly strong.”

Brolly said neither dog had ever seen a vet at any point in their lives and she had treated Dan’s previous ear wound with a blue spray that she would use for the sheep.”

‘Impossible to judge how much pain dog was in’

Ms Sloss continued: “Once both dogs were examined by a veterinary surgeon the true extent of both their conditions were revealed. Dan’s gums were inflamed and his incisor teeth were very worn. It’s impossible to judge how much pain this was causing him as he was already in so much pain from his ears.

“Both his ears were so infected that the skin in the ear canal had thickened and calcified around his right ear drum, showing the infection had been ongoing for some time. The infection had eaten away the flesh at the entrance to his right ear canal and both ears were full of blood and pus.

“The infection had been allowed to continue for so long and become so severe it was now incurable and there was no chance of Dan recovering successfully. Therefore, the decision was made to put him to sleep and end his suffering.

“Goldie had several broken and worn teeth, which would have caused her considerable pain. The tumours in her mouth had grown so large that they were now encompassing some of her teeth and causing others to become loose.

“This, coupled with the infection would have left her in considerable pain. The tumours had been left so long they had become inoperable and it would have been impossible to restore her mouth to its normal condition so she was also euthanised on veterinary advice.”

She continued: “The Crown Prosecution Order [stated] that even a lay person would be able to identify these conditions and how they would cause suffering and pain. This pain was severe and inflicted needlessly over a prolonged period of time.

“Had Brolly taken swift action at the onset of these conditions and provided her dogs with the appropriate veterinary attention, they need not have suffered and may even still be alive and well today.

“We’re pleased Brolly has received a ban on owning animals and hope she will seriously consider her ability to look after any animal in the future.”

If anyone is concerned about an animal they can contact Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.