An Aberdeenshire dog walker has been given a disqualification order imposed for 5 years relating to dogs, cats and other household pets after admitting to multiple counts of animal neglect, including keeping over 20 animals in squalid and hazardous conditions.
Sarah Cummines, of Aberdeenshire, appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Monday 23 June, where she pled guilty to failing to meet the basic welfare needs of dogs, cats and a ferret in her care. Cummines, who worked as a dog walker and pet sitter admitted to multiple counts of animal neglect, after being found keeping animals in a home described as one of the worst ever seen by Scottish SPCA inspectors.
Inspectors discovered a shocking scene: nine adult dogs, nine puppies, four adult cats, five kittens, and one ferret living among piles of waste, excrement, and debris. The animals had no access to clean resting areas, food, or water, and many were exposed to dangerous and unhygienic conditions.
A Scottish SPCA inspector said: “We received a complaint in October 2024 about potential neglect at Cummines’ property. On arrival, the smell was overwhelming, and the interior conditions were truly appalling. The floor was completely obscured by a foot-high layer of rubbish, excrement, and discarded items. Cats were living on top of kitchen cabinets among faeces and filth. The kitchen sink was full of rubbish and clearly had not been in use for some time. The animals had no access to clean areas and were forced to groom themselves in filth, posing serious health risks.”
“One small dog was seen climbing over piles of waste and jumping between appliances to avoid touching the floor. All the animals were frightened, and the cats were visibly nervous. This was no environment for any animal or human.”
The investigation also found that the animals were navigating over old dog crates and hazardous items to reach basic spaces like the kitchen or doors. Evidence of chewed beds and distressed behaviours indicated prolonged suffering and stress.
The inspector continued: “We were horrified not only by the condition of the animals but by the state of the entire home. The bedroom was one of the worst rooms we’ve encountered, and a box room was barricaded shut inside, a ferret had escaped its cage. These were among the worst living conditions for both animals and a human we have ever witnessed.”
Despite being offered help and the opportunity to relinquish the animals voluntarily, Cummines refused. The Scottish SPCA subsequently removed the animals for their welfare.
Alongside her sentence, Cummines was given a community payback order with supervision for one year.
A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA added: “We welcome the court’s decision today. No animal should be forced to live in such filth and fear. This outcome sends a clear message that neglecting the welfare of animals will not be tolerated in Scotland.”
The Scottish SPCA encourages anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal or if they suspect signs of animal neglect to contact their confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
