THEA ERICA ANDERSON – CLYDEBANK

2021. Thea Erica Anderson, of Clydebank, was convicted of allowing her dog to starve to death after leaving her locked in a hallway without food or water.

Anderson’s three-year-old Mastiff cross, Lexi, died an agonising death between 27 June and 27 July 2020. A post-mortem examination revealed the dog was severely emaciated, weighing just 11.2kg — around a third of her expected weight of more than 30kg.

Veterinary evidence concluded Lexi died either from organ failure or dehydration, both of which would have caused prolonged and painful suffering. An open bag of dog food was found in the hallway cupboard, just out of the dog’s reach.

Anderson also failed to seek veterinary treatment for Lexi in her final days, which could have significantly reduced her suffering.

Scottish SPCA inspector Gillian Dick described the case as “really upsetting” and said Lexi’s death was “entirely avoidable”.

She said: “When we entered the property, there was a strong smell of a decaying body and dog faeces behind the door. Lexi was found at the end of the hallway with a blanket partially covering her, which appeared to have been placed there deliberately.

“Lexi was completely emaciated, with no fat covering her body. She had been locked in the hallway and the rest of the property was cluttered and filthy.

“We found a large bag of dog food in the hallway cupboard, with only about a third of it used. It is heartbreaking to think Lexi was so close to food while starving to death.”

Inspector Dick added that items found in the property confirmed someone had been there earlier on the day Lexi died, meaning Anderson was aware of the dog’s condition.

When questioned, Anderson attempted to blame Lexi’s death on a friend who had been asked to look after her. However, she admitted she had seen the dog days before her death.

“There is absolutely no excuse for failing to seek immediate veterinary care,” Inspector Dick said. “Any responsible owner would have recognised Lexi’s need for urgent treatment. Her condition would have taken weeks, if not longer, to develop.

“The pain and physical and mental suffering Lexi endured would have been horrendous. She suffered directly because Anderson failed to provide food and the most basic level of care.”

Anderson was sentenced to 160 hours of unpaid community work and placed under supervision for 18 months. She was also banned from owning animals for six years, with the ban expiring in October 2027.