AN ANIMAL charity has hit out after a woman was not banned from owning animals.

Raki Islam owned several dogs and pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to provide adequate care for the dogs between February 14 and June 14, 2021, at the home she shared with Kevin Martin.

However, she was not banned from keeping animals and was admonished during her appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Fiona Thorburn, Scottish SPCA Inspector, told the Courier the charity had “received multiple reports” to their animal helpline with concerns about living conditions and animal cruelty and neglect in both Prestonpans and other properties in East and West Lothian.

She said: “We received ongoing calls to our Animal Helpline regarding dogs being kept in unsuitable conditions at the rear garden of the property on High Street.

“Access to view and assess the dogs was however always refused.

“In June 2021 a report was made to our helpline and videos sent to us of 13 dogs being kept in the rear garden of the property on High Street which was covered in faeces and had no adequate shelter.

“The videos were extremely concerning with seven of the dogs appearing to be underweight and virtually bald with very thickened skin.

“With sufficient evidence a warrant was granted by the procurator fiscal, the property was attended along with Police Scotland and the local authority.”

Mrs Thorburn said entry was forced to the property and 13 dogs were found in the garden, which was “heavily soiled with diarrhoea, faeces and urine”.

She continued: “There was not enough shelter provided for the number of dogs and the smell was overwhelming.

“Several of the dogs were bald and suffering from very severe skin conditions.

“Their eyes and ears were also painful and infected with copious discharge, and some were underweight.

“All 13 of the dogs were removed and taken for immediate veterinary examination and treatment.

“Seven puppies were found to have a heavy mange burden, which is usually only evident in animals with compromised immune systems.

“They had chronic secondary infections because of this which affected their skin, ears, eyes, feet and genitals, causing pain and irritation.

“The puppies also had giardia, meaning they were both infected by, and actively shedding, the parasite causing severe diarrhoea.

“If left untreated this disease can be deadly.”

Islam was admonished at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at the beginning of the month and a not guilty plea from her partner, 49-year-old Kevin Martin, was accepted by the procurator fiscal.

Mrs Thorburn added: “We are extremely disappointed that Raki Islam has not been issued with a disqualification order from owning animals despite a guilty plea to the charge of causing her dogs to suffer unnecessarily.

“The condition that the dogs were found in should have led any reasonable owner to seek urgent veterinary treatment.

“We feel saddened that despite the time and effort we have taken putting together a case where Islam has been charged, she has only been admonished.

“We believe this decision will likely result in more dogs suffering unnecessarily in the future.

“The dogs removed from Islam’s property took several months to fully recover in the care of the Scottish SPCA and thankfully have now found loving homes where their welfare needs will be met.

“If anyone has concerns about an animal they should call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”