Scots dog sitter filmed dragging hounds by neck hit with animal care warning

Daily Record

3 days ago

Kiki Sutherland, in her 60s, was filmed hauling the pets around a garden while she was meant to be taking care of them.
An Aberdeenshire dog sitter who was filmed dragging hounds by the scruff of their necks has been hit with a warning from animal welfare chiefs.
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Kiki Sutherland, in her 60s, was filmed hauling the pets around a garden at a house in Monymusk in the horrifying clip. In the footage, which was revealed by the Record earlier this week, Sutherland could be seen stomping around the garden with the scruff of a Dachshund-type dog in her fist.
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She was then seen marching towards a Spaniel before grabbing it by the back of its neck, hauling it backwards, picking it up and throttling its loose skin. The matter has been investigated by both the Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) and Aberdeenshire Council, who confirmed the property did not have a license to look after the animals.
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The SSPCA probe identified that while the manhandling of the pets was inappropriate, there was no evidence of physical injury.
Sutherland was issued an Animal Welfare Notice (AWN), otherwise known as a care notice, on Friday.
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An AWN is issued when an inspector believes the person is failing to adequately ensure the animal's welfare, but the situation doesn't immediately warrant prosecution.
A spokesperson for the SSPCA said: 'The SSPCA has thoroughly investigated a recent incident in Monymusk following concerns raised by members of the public over a video.
"Our team, including veterinarians, analysed the original video footage and confirmed that while the handling of the dogs was inappropriate and likely caused distress, there was no evidence of physical injury.
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"As a result, an AWN has been issued to the individual involved, providing guidance on the humane treatment of animals. We have also worked alongside Aberdeenshire Council, who are addressing separate concerns relating to licensing.
"We thank the public for their vigilance and continue to urge anyone who witnesses suspected cruelty or neglect to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.'
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The council has also written a letter to Sutherland warning her that any commercial boarding of animals must cease at the premises immediately.
The Record previously spoke to the owner of the two-year-old spaniel involved in the sickening scene.
Mark Lawrie said he was left "horrified" after watching the clip.
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The 55-year-old said: "I was sent the clip and I was absolutely horrified watching it. She was so heavy handed with my dog, Buddy, when she didn't need to be at all.
" Buddy is the most loving and affectionate dog with the sweetest nature - he's obedient and does most things you say.
"You put your dog into the trust of someone else because you think they'll take good care of them. It makes me feel sick that someone could handle Buddy like this when he is so gentle."
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On Facebook, Sutherland is the admin of a private pet group called 'Crazy Dog Crew'. Mark handed Buddy over to Sutherland for two weeks after his other dog came into season.
He claims that she is known in the area for doing dog walks and boarding, and he trusted her through word of mouth. But Mark said she offered to look after Buddy for free.
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He continued: "She took Buddy as a favour for me and no money was exchanged but it obviously raises concern if this is how she is treating animals. Whether or not she takes money from others for it, I do not know, but I'm not happy with how she treated Buddy and my wife was crying after watching the clip.
"She didn't need to manhandle him like that and she knows it. He would have just followed her to wherever she was going. She didn't need to use such force."
A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: 'Our investigation has concluded. A warning letter has been issued advising that any commercial boarding of animals would require a licence and that the premises does not currently hold such a licence, therefore any commercial boarding of animals must cease at the premises. Any unlicensed boarding of animals may be reported to the Fiscal.'