Alexandria couple banned from owning dogs after neglect

Glasgow Times

19-05-2025

Anthony Conway and Liz Conway from Alexandria also received a £250 fine and a £20 victim surcharge after the dogs' suffering was discovered.
In Dumbarton Sheriff Court, Anthony Conway admitted to not giving medical help to their dog, Raven, who had a painful ear disease.
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This lack of care caused the dog unnecessary suffering for at least two months.
Liz Conway admitted guilt for not providing a suitable living environment.
The couple subjected their six-year-old black French Bulldog, Raven, and their two one-year-old French Bulldog/Bichon Frise cross breeds, Blitz and Gypsy, to hazardous, filthy living conditions.
The lack of a clean, comfortable environment led to significant mental and physical suffering for the dogs over a period of at least two weeks.
Upon visiting the property, an SSPCA inspector was met by the unpleasant sight and smell of dog faeces and urine covering the kitchen floor.
All three dogs were confined to the filthy kitchen.
A small cage with a soiled blanket and an empty water bowl added to the miserable conditions.
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The inspector said: 'In March 2024, we received a call from a member of the public who was raising concerns regarding a smell that was coming from within the neighbouring property.
'The complaint stated that there were possibly four dogs within the property, that one of the dogs had died and that the remaining dogs were never taken out of the property for exercise.
'We attended the property and were met by a man who was opening the front door. We explained there had been a complaint regarding dogs within the property.
'The man was Anthony Conway, and he was looking after the dogs at the property on behalf of their owner, whom he named as Liz-Anne Conway.
'On entering, there was a strong smell of urine and faeces. Opening the door to the kitchen, three dogs ran out into the hallway. The kitchen floor was covered in dog urine and faeces.
'There was no clean space available for the dogs to stand or lie down. A small dog cage contained a soiled blanket, and a plastic dog bed was being used to store a large bag of dog food. An empty water bowl sat on the floor. The kitchen was filled with an overpowering odour.
'We advised Conway that we had immediate and serious concerns regarding the welfare of the three dogs, and we removed them from the property.
'The dogs were transported to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres for further care and attention.'
A veterinary surgeon, after examining the dogs, discovered serious health issues.
These included painful ear inflammation in Raven and multiple abrasions and scrapes on Blitz and Gypsy.
It was discovered that Raven's condition had been left untreated for at least two months.
Immediate treatment was needed, indicated by symptoms such as head shaking, ear rubbing, and a strong odour.
The vet determined that the lack of suitable food, water, resting areas, and an opportunity for toileting over a sustained period resulted in significant physical and psychological suffering for all three animals.
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A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: "We are pleased with the sentencing.
"The suffering endured by all three dogs was both unnecessary and avoidable.
"Their basic needs—for a consistent diet, clean water, and, in Raven's case, timely veterinary care—were not met.
"This sentence recognises the seriousness of that neglect."
To prevent acts of cruelty like this, the Scottish SPCA has urged people to report any signs of mistreatment of animals on their website.
The neglect suffered by the dogs, as indicated by the court sentence, amounts to a serious criminal offence.