***WARNING: This article contains upsetting images***

A Clydebank woman has been banned from owning animals for six years for causing the death of her pet dog.

Thea Anderson, of Duncombe View, North Drumry, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering of her three-year-old mastiff cross dog, Lexi, by leaving her alone in a property with no access to food or water for a prolonged period.

Lexi was severely emaciated and passed away, Dumbarton Sheriff Court was told.

The Scottish SPCA investigated the case and said the 21-year-old also failed to get veterinary treatment for Lexi at the end of her life which would have eased her suffering between June 27 and July 27, 2020.

Lexi was found dead locked in the hallway of Anderson's home. An open bag of dog food was in a cupboard which the SSPCA said would have caused further mental anguish as she could smell the food, the court heard yesterday.

When Lexi died, she weighed only 11.2kg - she should have weighed more than 30kg.

Clydebank Post: Thea Anderson's pet mastiff cross Lexi was found dead at the Duncombe View property Thea Anderson's pet mastiff cross Lexi was found dead at the Duncombe View property

An examining vet concluded that Lexi would have either died of organ failure or dehydration. Either of these conditions would have caused her a slow and painful death, said experts.

Scottish SPCA inspector Gillian Dick said, “This is a really upsetting case. Lexi’s death was entirely avoidable if she had been given an adequate diet and water.

“When we first entered the address there was a strong smell of a decaying body and there were dog faeces on the floor behind the door. We saw Lexi at the end of the hall with a blanket partially covering her body. It was clear to us that someone had placed the blanket over Lexi.

Clydebank Post: Lexi's body was found at the Duncombe View propertyLexi's body was found at the Duncombe View property

“Lexi was completely emaciated. There was no fat covering on her body. She had been locked in the hallway and on inspecting the rest of the house it was cluttered and filthy. That was when I found the bag of dog food in the hallway cupboard. It was a big bag and only a third of the food was out of it. It’s so sad to think of Lexi being so close to this food while starving to death.

“We found items that confirmed someone had been in the property earlier in the day so Anderson was well aware of Lexi’s circumstance.

“Upon questioning, Anderson blamed Lexi’s death on a friend who was supposed to be looking after her. But Anderson admitted to seeing Lexi days before her death and there is absolutely no excuse for not taking her for immediate veterinary attention. Any responsible dog owner would have recognised Lexi’s need for urgent veterinary care.

“Lexi’s condition would have likely taken weeks or longer to reach. This resulted in Lexi’s organs failing, or dehydration, which caused her death. 

Clydebank Post: Lexi's body was found at the Duncombe View propertyLexi's body was found at the Duncombe View property

“The level of pain and physical and mental suffering Lexi would have gone through at the end of her life would have been horrendous. Lexi was caused direct suffering because Anderson failed to provide her with food and the most basic of care.

“We are pleased that Anderson has been handed the ban owning animals.

“We hope Anderson thinks hard before taking care of any animals in the future once the ban is lifted.”

Anderson was given a community payback order with 160 hours of unpaid work and 18 months of supervision by social workers.

If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.