Connor Stewart pleaded guilty to breaching animal welfare legislation after his three dogs were found living in appalling conditions. He was sentenced last week and banned from owning, keeping or caring for animals for five years, and fined £200.
Appalling Living Conditions
Scottish SPCA inspectors first became aware of the conditions when they looked through the letterbox of Stewart's home in Livingstone. Stewart was told to return and give them access. He arrived and brought the three dogs—Dobermans Ammo and Karma and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kya—onto the landing area.
An inspector said: "The flat was completely squalid. The floors were soaked in urine and covered in thick layers of faeces throughout the property, some of which was beginning to turn mouldy. There was broken furniture throughout, smashed glass on the floors and electric shock collars charging in the kitchen area of the flat."
The inspector added: "All the food and water bowls were empty and bone dry." The dogs were underweight, with Ammo's ribs and hips visibly showing and his nails overgrown. The inspector noted these were some of the worst conditions they had found animals living in.
Rescue and Aftermath
The decision was made to remove all dogs from the property. Police Scotland were called, but Stewart fled with his two Dobermans. The remaining dog, Kya, was taken to a local veterinary practice. She smelled strongly of urine and faeces and drank voraciously, having had no water.
After pleading guilty, Stewart received his sentence. The inspector added: "We are pleased with the Sheriff's decision. Stewart's behaviour was unacceptable, and he showed complete disregard for his dogs' wellbeing."
"No animal should be kept in such conditions," the inspector continued, "and we hope this sentencing sends a clear message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland."
