30-04-2025
Woman starved three dogs at Glasgow home as animals found 'terrified'
A woman who cruelly starved her three dogs at a home in Glasgow has been given a community payback order.
Lynda Munro pled guilty to starving her dogs Poppy, a seven-year-old black crossbreed, and Skye, a one-year-old tan crossbreed and failing to seek veterinary treatment for their conditions in March.
She was sentenced to a community payback order, supervised for a year.
Animal welfare officers were called to the home in Glasgow after a report was made about abandoned dogs at the property.
Inspectors from the SSPCA attended and found the animals "terrified" and severely emaciated.
Munro claimed she had fled domestic abuse and the animals had initially been left in the care of her partner, but he had since moved out of the property.
The dogs had been left alone for at least three days. Officers discovered two of the pets locked in a crate with no access to food or water. They had also not seen a vet or been given pain relief for clearly debilitating health conditions, and it was clear they had not been walked or exercised in months.
Poppy and Skye were said to be seriously underweight, with bones jutting out prominently.
Despite Poppy's long coat, her extreme weight loss was described as "unmistakable". Every bone in Skye's body was said to be visible, with no obvious fat or muscle on her tiny frame.
A third dog, a tan Shar Pei cross type called Broxy, was found on the sofa, suffering from a skin condition with patches of hair loss and red, sore skin.
Poppy was placed on a lead and secured, but Skye was said to be "frozen in fear" and refused to leave the crate. It was believed she was afraid of and unfamiliar with anything outside the cramped confines of the crate. After she was coaxed out, both were taken for immediate treatment from a vet.
An SSPCA Inspector said in a report: "We responded to a complaint of dog abandonment made to the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline.
"The complainer, who was the accused Lynda Munro, said that there were three dogs who had been left unattended for at least three days. She had lived at the address and owned the dogs but would not be returning due to fear of domestic abuse.
"She stated that she had left the dogs in the care of her partner but had since been informed that he had also left the address and that the dogs were now left unattended.
"We attended the address, and a neighbour confirmed she had not seen anybody at the property and that she knew there were three dogs inside, two of which were locked in a crate, and would have no access to food or water."
The SSPCA inspector added: "Poppy endured unnecessary suffering from inadequate nutrition, untreated dental issues, and a complete disregard for her need for proper exercise. Skye's suffering was caused by inadequate feeding, as well as neglecting her essential needs for exercise and socialisation.
"All of the dogs had severely overgrown nails, suggesting they hadn't been walked or exercised in many months. We transported the dogs to one of our Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre for ongoing treatment.
"We are disappointed with the sentencing. These dogs were left in horrible conditions for a period of time without their basic welfare needs being met."
