A Livingston man has been banned from owning, keeping or caring for animals for five years after admitting keeping three dogs in appalling conditions without access to food or water.
Court sentencing
Connor Stewart was sentenced on 15 July at Livingston Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to breaching animal welfare legislation. He was also given a £200 fine.
Scottish SPCA Inspectors attended Stewart’s property in December 2023 after concerns for the dogs in his care were raised to the Society’s Animal Helpline.
Horrendous discovery
Upon arrival conditions could be seen to be horrendous through the letterbox and Stewart was contacted to return to the flat and give access. Stewart arrived at the flat and brought Dobermans Ammo and Karma and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kya out onto the landing area. Ammo was underweight, with his ribs and hips obviously visible and his nails overgrown.
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. All the food and water bowls were empty and bone dry.”
Removal of dogs
These conditions were some of the worst the Inspector had found animals living in and the decision was made to remove all dogs from the property and take them into the care of the Scottish SPCA. Police Scotland were called to support removal of the animals but Stewart fled with his two Dobermans. A deprivation order was issued at Livingston Court in relation to these dogs, however. His remaining Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Kya was taken to a local veterinary practice for further care. She was noted to smell strongly of urine and faeces and drank voraciously having had no water within the locus.
SPCA reaction
Following the sentencing, the Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “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, and we hope this sentencing sends a clear message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland.”
