A Peterhead man has been convicted after abandoning his dog for several days in an extremely unhygienic flat with no access to food or clean water.
Sean Stewart was banned from keeping animals for five years after he admitted breaching animal welfare legislation on Tuesday 12 May at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
Stewart was also sentenced to one year of supervision.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector attended Stewart’s property in October 2024 after concerns were raised about his dog, Tess, to The Society’s Animal Helpline. The Inspector attended with officers from Police Scotland and had to force entry to Stewart’s property as there was no one inside the flat.
The Inspector said: “It was immediately clear that the property was in an unacceptable condition for any animal to be living in.
“There were faeces present throughout the property, particularly in the spare room, hallway and bathroom. The spare room looked to have several days’ worth of faeces and there was also a carrier bag containing faeces hanging on the door.
Stressed, anxious and frustrated
“Tess had been left with no access to food or clean water. The only water source available to her was the toilet.
“There was also evidence of rubbish and items that had been chewed throughout the property, which indicated that Tess was stressed, anxious and frustrated while being left alone for a prolonged period.”
Tess was removed from the property and taken for further care and attention. She has since been rehomed into a loving new family.
When the Scottish SPCA Inspector came back to the property a few days later to interview Stewart, he had made no effort to clean the flat, and the faeces were still present.
Reacting to the sentencing, the Inspector said: “We are pleased with the Sheriff’s decision. Tess was left alone for several days in conditions that were completely unacceptable and detrimental to her welfare. Stewart failed to provide her with even the most basic care, including food, clean water and a safe living environment.”
“We are relieved Tess was removed from the property and has now been given the second chance she deserves.”
Help address the well-established link between those who harm animals and those who go on to harm humans
The Scottish SPCA is calling for a National Animal Offenders register to be built into existing intelligence systems to support monitoring of individuals convicted of animal cruelty — particularly those banned from owning animals — and flag criminals like Stewart. Importantly, it would also help address the well-established link between those who harm animals and those who go on to harm humans. Read our full manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
To report a concern of cruelty, visit our website.
