An Angus woman has been sentenced for allowing the death of her pet rabbit through lack of care.
Margaret Morrison, of Arbroath Road, Forfar, had been found guilty of the offence at trial last month.
Forfar Sheriff Court had previously heard an independent report for the Crown by SSPCA inspector Mark Lumgair, who had found the rabbit hutch had no food or water in it when he called after a neighbour complained and the rabbit’s carcase was in a “very poor condition”, weighing 1.6kg.
Unhatched blowfly eggs were found at the corners of the animal’s mouth, and it was described as “emaciated” and “dehydrated” with ribs and internal organs prominent.
Appearing for Morrison, defence agent Michael Boyd said his client’s position was strengthened as she had no other rabbits but had a number of dogs and other animals.
Mr Boyd added: “The SSPCA has assessed the other animals in the period since and there have been no concerns registered about their welfare.
“A letter has been received from Ms Morrison’s vet and the impression is that clearly she is a woman who takes her animals to the vet.”
However, Mr Boyd added: “The neighbour phoned the SSPCA and on this particular occasion there has been justification.”
Morrison, 20, is a self-employed cleaner and the court heard her business has taken off over the last six months.
Sheriff Veal fined Morrison £250 and instructed a banning order to keep her from owning rabbits for four years.
“If there is another breach of animal welfare legislation, I’m likely to take another view of this matter,” he said.
She had been found guilty of causing a rabbit unnecessary suffering and death by act or omission on October 11 last year.
She was found guilty of failing to provide adequate nutrition and water, and reasonably knew that said act or omission would result in unnecessary suffering or death.