Galashiels woman banned from keeping animals for four years
Last updated 22nd Jul 2024
A court's been hearing how a dog, whose bones were visible, appeared to have no access to food or water when animal welfare officers visited its owner's home in Galashiels.
There was a smell of urine in Jasmine Stevens' property, and faeces on the floor.
The 23-year-old's lurcher-type pet also had sores on its hips from being kept in a cage with no bedding.
SSPCA officers, who were responding to a call to their helpline, took the dog to a local vets where it immediately finished food and water offered to it.
Selkirk Sheriff Court today (Monday) heard the animal required a number of surgeries and treatments, and was signed over to their care.
Stevens admitted causing a dog unnecessary suffering, by failing to provide appropriate care, between April and June last year.
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Her solicitor, Mat Patrick, blamed the break-up of an abusive relationship for his client's behaviour.
Sheriff Ian Anderson said the public are "naturally horrified" when animals are treated in this way, but recognised the single mum's poor mental health at the time.
He has banned Stevens from keeping animals for four years, and ordered her to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.
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