A woman who neglected her three dogs and one cat, has been disqualified from owning or keeping any animal for five years.
Demi Crowley, from Aberdeenshire, pled guilty to failing to ensure the needs of her three dogs – a brown and white Border Collie called Spud, a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Diesel and a tan male Cockapoo dog called Buddy – were met by keeping them in conditions which were detrimental to their physical and mental wellbeing and likely to cause suffering.
She also failed to ensure the welfare needs were met of a tabby coloured female small Bengal type cat which was kept in appalling conditions.
Crowley was sentenced at Banff Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 16 April. She also received a community payback order with supervision for one year.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector reported: “In May last year we received a call from Police Scotland after they attended a property and raised concerns of the welfare of animals within.
“We attended the same day and Police officers confirmed three dogs had been locked in a cage. They had removed the dogs from the cage due to extremely cramped conditions and the dogs were in direct sunlight on a hot day, panting, with no water, and were obviously stressed.
“Upon entering the property, I saw that the living area and kitchen were in a state of disarray, with clothes, rubbish, boxes, and dishes scattered across all surfaces and worktops.
“The cage the dogs had been shut in should only house one medium sized dog at most and only be used for short periods and not left in direct sunlight.
“The three dogs were in reasonable condition.
“The cage was empty on my arrival as police had let the dogs out. However, I observed no water, no bedding or comfort and no food bowls. The cage was dirty and had nothing but the plastic tray at bottom.
“The cat was within the bathroom and on opening the bathroom door, the smell of urine, faeces and ammonia was overwhelming and eye watering. A tabby coloured female small Bengal type cat came over to the door and appeared in good condition although she smelt horrendous indicating she had been there for some time”.
“The litter tray can only be described as disgusting with nothing, but solid faeces built up over several months and the cat had resorted to defecating on the floor and surfaces, there were empty food containers and rubbish strewn throughout but no fresh water or food.
“We seized all four animals under Section 32 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to secure their welfare and prevent further suffering.
“We are pleased Crowley received a five-year ban. The conditions these animals were found in and subjected to were completely unacceptable.”
