SSPCA says Buckie dog owner's 5-year ban too short
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The SSPCA says that a local animal abuser should have been banned from owning a pet for longer.
Natalia Piszczyk appeared in Elgin Sheriff Court last week and was barred from looking after any type of animal for the next five years.
The 20-year-old was also ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid community service.
Piszczyk had contacted Buckie Veterinary Surgeons on November 15, 2021, to say that her dog had died and asked if he could be taken away and cremated.
Berlin, a nine-month old German Shepard, was picked up the next day.
Concerned by both the dead dog's thin condition and by seeing discarded takeaway boxes and other items of litter on top of his body, the vets contacted the SSPCA.
Lesley Crockett, a senior inspector with the animal charity, said: "Berlin was one of the thinnest dogs I have seen. His eyes were sunken into his head and there was reddish staining on his paws."
To talk about her concerns the inspector met Piszczyk, who had recently turned 19.
She immediately noticed the dishevelled state of the property on Carnie Place, Buckie.
She said: "It smelt strongly of dog urine and faeces and the carpet in the living room was badly stained."
Piszczyk, who no longer lives in Moray, stated that sometimes Berlin would not eat his food so she soaked it in water. However, she added that she did not notice anything wrong with him.
When Berlin's body arrived at the vets it weighed a mere 18kg when it should have weighed between 29-32kg.
The SSPCA post-mortem confirmed that Berlin had contracted pneumonia and had died from breathing problems.
The report showed that Berlin’s unnecessary suffering is ultimately what caused the respiratory failure and pain that led to his death.
An SSPCA spokesperson said: "We are pleased that Piszczyk received a ban, however, given the suffering Berlin endured we would have liked it to be for a longer period of time.
"We hope she seriously considers her ability to look after any animal in the future."
If anyone is concerned about an animal they can reach out to the confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.
Related article: Five-year ban for dead Alsatian's owner
