An Inverness man has been given a four-year ban after admitting to multiple counts of animal neglect, including failing to provide vital veterinary care to a hedgehog and keeping several dogs in squalid conditions.
Scott Trist, from Inverness, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Thursday 19 June, where he was sentenced after pleading guilty for failing to provide veterinary assessment and treatment for a hedgehog suffering from an obvious and painful eye condition.
Surrounded by their own waste, with no protection from suffering, injury or disease
He also failed to provide a suitable living environment for his dogs, who were found living in unhygienic conditions surrounded by their own waste, with no protection from suffering, injury, or disease.
Alongside the four-year disqualification from owning or keeping animals, Trist was also sentenced to 210 hours of unpaid community service.
During a visit to the property last year, Scottish SPCA inspectors found a six-month-old puppy, named Sadie, so frightened that she was desperately attempting to hide under a cabinet inside her pen.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector reported: “In April 2024, whilst conducting general duties, we attended an address in Inverness following a complaint to our Animal Helpline. The report raised serious concerns about the living conditions for the dogs at the property, including a large amount of faeces in the rear garden.
“Scott Trist identified himself as the tenant of the property and owner of the dogs refused to let us enter or inspect the rear garden. He reported having several dogs inside the house and mentioned the presence of two boa constrictors.
Multiple dogs were living in filth and a terrified puppy trying to hide
“Following continued refusal to cooperate, we obtained a warrant to enter the premises. What we found inside was shocking – multiple dogs were living in filth and a terrified puppy trying to hide.
“From outside the conservatory, three dogs were clearly visible to all in attendance. These included a female German Shepherd type, a female Dogue de Bordeaux cross, and a male Presa Canario type.
“Upon entering the living room, we were met with overwhelming evidence of neglect. The floor was heavily soiled with dog excrement, and a section of the room had been fenced off, forming a pen that was saturated with faeces and urine. Within this pen was a young female crossbreed dog, around six months old. The puppy was visibly distressed, cowering in fear and attempting to squeeze under a cabinet to hide.
“The garden was covered in dog faeces and alongside the wall of the house were numerous black bin bags full of household waste and dog faeces.
“Upstairs, we found a small bedroom containing multiple reptile tanks. While most of the enclosures were empty, one large vivarium housed a boa constrictor measuring approximately seven feet in length. The snake was visibly underweight, and the enclosure was strewn with numerous dead, uneaten chicks.
Another vivarium containing an African pygmy hedgehog, lacked any form of heating or lighting
“Another vivarium containing an African pygmy hedgehog, lacked any form of heating or lighting, and no food was available inside. The hedgehog had a visibly inflamed injury to her right eye and a noticeable lump on her front right leg.
“All animals were removed from the property under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
“This case highlights the severe consequences of neglect and the suffering that animals endure when people fail to meet even the most basic standards of care. We are relieved these animals are now safe and are now in the homes they deserve.”
If you are concerned about the welfare of an animal, please contact the Scottish SPCA confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
