Dog walker dumps exhausted pet in home after walk in 27C heat before owner finds it dead

Daily Record

20 hours ago

Dave McGhee - who runs Dave's Dugs - has been slammed for not seeking veterinary help for left English Bulldog Shelby.
A dog walker dumped a granny's exhausted pet in her home after a walk in 27C heat leaving the owner to find it dead when she got home.
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Dave McGhee - who runs Dave's Dugs - left English Bulldog Shelby in her owner's Bellshill home after the walk.
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The dog 's owner, disabled gran Mandy Lawrie, 63, returned home to find two-year-old Shelby lying dead on the living room floor.
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The dog walker told Mandy's daughter he had taken Shelby on a 20 minute walk and the pet was returned to the house feeling no ill-effects.
But a neighbour's doorbell camera captured McGhee carrying the dog lying in his arms up the garden path before it was left in Mandy's house.
The clip confirmed Shelby was returned to the house almost an hour after she was picked up.
Last night McGhee said he was sorry over Shelby's death.
But Mandy has been left heartbroken.
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Her daughter Michelle said: 'It was really hot outside. He said he took the dogs on a short walk in the shade.
'He claimed Shelby walked in the gate and was happy when he dropped her off.'
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Michelle's suspicions arose and she asked her mum's next-door-neighbour for their doorbell camera footage.
She said: 'We were shocked watching the footage. She looked lifeless.
'It was distressing seeing her in that condition. We couldn't believe it.
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'My mum has MS and COPD. She's not fit to take the dogs out so that's why she relies on Dave.
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Mandy, who suffers from MS and uses a mobility scooter, hired Dave's Dugs one year ago to walk her three pets after struggling with her mobility.
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McGhee had arrived at 10.30am on Tuesday to collect Shelby and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Raven and Mandy left behind a key for the dogs to be dropped off.
Her daughter Michelle told the Record her mum has been left traumatised after finding Shelby.
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The 41-year-old said: 'Shelby was a bubbly wee dog. She usually runs to the front door when she hears us coming in but the house was quiet when we arrived.
'We walked in and she was lying dead on the living room floor.
'My mum is traumatised.
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'I don't know how she will cope.
'She only lost her sister three weeks ago. The dogs are like her children.
'Her other dog Raven was just staring at Shelby's body wondering why she wouldn't move. It broke our hearts.'
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Michelle slammed McGhee for failing to seek veterinary treatment for Shelby.
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She said: 'He made no attempt to get her to a vet or even call us to say she was unwell.
'English Bulldogs struggle in the heat due because of their short muzzles - never mind being outside for an hour.
'It's disgusting.
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'The way that this has happened is outrageous."
Last night Dave told the Record: 'I am deeply sorry for the loss of Shelby. I have been walking dogs for over two years and have always prioritised their wellbeing.
'What began as a tragedy has unfortunately led to threats of violence. I will not be commenting further.'
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The tragedy occurred as a third heatwave struck Scotland this week. Temperatures are expected to soar to up to 30C across some areas of the country.
Veterinary charity PDSA warned of the dangers of walking animals during extreme bouts of hot weather.
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PDSA Vet Emma Fisher said: 'Hot temperatures can lead to fatal consequences for our pets.
'Too much heat can be extremely dangerous for our canine companions, especially for flat-faced breeds and overweight dogs, who find it much more difficult to cool themselves down. Older dogs and those with ongoing health problems may also find it more difficult to manage their body temperature.
'Dogs don't sweat in the same way that we do, so to regulate their body temperature and cool themselves down, they pant instead. Panting is part of a dog's normal cooling process.
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'Dogs love to run around, but that's also when heatstroke can sneak up on them, especially during hot weather. If you do head out for a dog walk, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler. During a heatwave, skipping a walk altogether may be the safest option.'
The SSPCA confirmed an investigation was ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 5.15pm on Tuesday, 12 August, 2025 we received a report of a dead dog at a property in Mossend, Bellshill.
'Appropriate advice was given to the reporter and there is no further police involvement.'