Paisley dog walker fined for causing ‘unnecessary’ suffering to pet

A Paisley dog walker has been handed an £800 fine following an investigation by Scottish SPCA officers.

John Stokesley, aged 53, failed to provide veterinary care for his dog – a Rottweiler cross German Shepherd type dog called Ziva, who had suffered injuries to her legs and ears.

Scottish SPCA says Stokesley’s failure to provide Ziva with the medical attention she needed led to her wounds becoming infected and the dog suffering from sepsis.

Stokesley, of Spencer Drive in Paisley, had said that another dog in the property had attacked Ziva causing a few wounds, which he had been bathing and treating at home. He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Gillian Dick, said: “Stokesley failed to take appropriate action and respond to the urgency of his dog’s condition, which ultimately led to her suffering from excruciating and debilitating injuries, which became so severe that the only option was euthanasia to end her suffering.

“Stokesley stated he was bathing the wound and attempting to treat Ziva at home, showing he was more than aware of the injuries sustained by the dog and that she needed treatment.

“He is employed as a dog walker and has responsibility for animals in his care on a daily basis, which makes this incident even more concerning. Anyone working in a professional capacity with animals would be expected to have easily recognised the severity of Ziva’s injuries.”

She added: “We are pleased Stokesley has been fined but disappointed he was not issued with a ban given his employment involves caring for animals on a daily basis. We would hope he would think long and hard about his ability to care for animals going forward.”