Distressing images: Ardrossan woman banned from keeping dogs after hers dies

Following a Scottish SPCA investigation, it was revealed Emily Louise Friel failed to get her pooch, Abbey, the treatment she needed and she became severely matted.

The extreme extent of the matting would have caused Abbey a great deal of discomfort and distress.

Please be warned some readers may find the images below distressing.

54-year-old Friel, of Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court and was sentenced on September 29.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector Laura McIntyre said: “We received a report from a vet after Friel presented Abbey at the veterinary surgery for cremation after she had passed away.

“The dog’s body had been folded into a large cardboard box. It was not immediately apparent upon opening the box that the animal was a dog, as 90 percent of the body’s fur was extremely matted.

“Abbey’s legs were as thick as tree trunks and there was pus seeping from one of her hind legs. The legs were only identifiable from one single over grown claw sticking out through the matting, her entire paws and pads were completely covered in matting and what appeared to be faeces.

“The rear end of the dog was also severely matted and she would have been unable to pass any urine or faeces through the matting meaning that any waste being passed would be absorbed directly into her coat, in turn, forcing her to lie in her own excreta.

“Abbey was also in extremely poor body condition and very underweight for her size and breed type.

“This type of extreme matting would not have happened overnight and it’s sadly likely that Abbey would have been suffering for some time in this awful state.

“We’re glad that Friel has been given this ban and hope she seriously reconsiders her ability to care for any animal in future.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."