EMMA MARSHALL/WOODS – FALKIRK Falkirk Woman Avoids Jail After 18 Neglected Dogs…

❌EMMA MARSHALL/WOODS – FALKIRK❌

Falkirk Woman Avoids Jail After 18 Neglected Dogs Found in Filthy Home

A woman from Falkirk has been banned indefinitely from keeping dogs after inspectors found 18 starved and neglected animals crammed inside her council home in horrific conditions.

Emma Marshall, also known as Emma Woods, 39, formerly of Hallglen, Falkirk (FK1) and now reportedly living in Anderson Drive, Denny (FK6), pleaded guilty to 18 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act.

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“Overpowering stench of ammonia” as inspectors enter home

Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA, accompanied by social workers, attended Marshall’s home on Blinkbonny Road on May 14, 2023, after receiving serious welfare concerns.

Upon entering the property, officers were met with an overpowering smell of ammonia and discovered 18 dogs of various breeds, including XL Bullies, chow chows, bulldogs, crossbreeds, and a dachshund.

The dogs were found in skeletal condition, many suffering from untreated skin, ear, and eye infections, broken bones, and pressure sores. Their coats were matted with faeces and soaked in urine, and one dog was so weak and malnourished she was unable to stand.

Tragically, one of the dogs died in her cage within 30 minutes of being rescued, while 11 others had to be euthanised due to the extent of their suffering.

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Claims of hidden animals and unverified social media reports

Following the raid, Marshall reportedly fled the property, taking with her two French bulldogs and two American bullies that she had hidden from inspectors.

One of the missing dogs, Misty, was later recovered by her previous owner, Amy Rose, from a property in Linlithgow, West Lothian, after a tip-off.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Ms Rose described the distressing moment she found Misty:

“I could see Misty through the window and burst into tears. The dogs hadn’t been watered or fed and had been eating their own waste. The place was a dive. Misty was severely underweight and suffering from skin problems.”

Four of the rescued dogs have since been rehomed, while three remain in the Scottish SPCA’s care.

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“The worst case of animal cruelty I’ve ever encountered”

Marshall’s solicitor, Gordon Addison, told the court that his client was a “vulnerable person” and claimed she had been coerced by others into allowing her home to be used to house the dogs — a claim later disputed by people familiar with the case.

Sheriff Neil Kinnear described the case as “the worst example of animal cruelty” he had ever seen but accepted that Marshall had been coerced by others she feared, noting her apparent vulnerability at the time.

Marshall was sentenced to a six-month curfew and a two-year supervision order, and was banned from keeping dogs indefinitely.

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The Scottish SPCA said the case highlighted the devastating consequences of irresponsible breeding and neglect, urging the public to report any suspicions of animal suffering immediately.