A 37-year-old woman from Castlemilk has received an 18-month animal disqualification order and a Community Payback Order after leaving an elderly dog, three other canines, and a nine-week-old kitten locked in a flat without food or accessible water while she went on holiday to Blackpool.
Catherine Ann Stewart appeared for sentence at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 5 October 2026 after admitting three separate animal welfare offences brought following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.
The court was told that in July 2025, Scottish SPCA inspectors attended Stewart’s address following complaints regarding unattended animals. An officer applied security tape across the entrance door and deposited a calling card. When the inspector returned the following day, the tape was unbroken, confirming no individual had visited the flat.
Upon entering the property, inspectors were met with a heavy stench of ammonia and animal waste. Four dogs were found confined between the hallway and living room with no food available. The only water supply visible was inside a mop bucket, which was physically impossible for an elderly 14-year-old Pomeranian/chihuahua-cross named Tasha to reach.
A veterinary assessment revealed Tasha had lost significant weight, dropping from 4.7kg to 3.9kg, and was suffering from chronic heart failure, dental disease, and untreated hindleg joint pain that left her in persistent distress for months. The dog was subsequently euthanised on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering.
In an adjacent bedroom, inspectors located a nine-week-old kitten named Blade crying behind a closed door. The kitten had been left in total isolation without access to food, water, or a litter tray. Four goldfish kept in an aquarium were also recovered.
Stewart claimed to authorities that her sister had agreed to care for the animals during her trip to Blackpool, but her sister refuted ever being asked. Stewart also claimed she monitored the flat via an indoor camera. The Scottish SPCA highlighted that Stewart had previously received an official warning regarding leaving animals unattended.
Sheriff Joan Kerr noted background reports regarding Stewart’s problem-solving capacity, treating her as a first offender. Stewart was placed on a Community Payback Order requiring 18 months of supervision and disqualified from owning or keeping animals for 18 months.
The surviving animals, including two border collie-type dogs named Gio and Angel, the kitten Blade, and the goldfish, were seized and have since been rehomed into safe environments.
Stewart pleaded guilty to:
Three charges under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
Passing sentence on 5 October 2026, Sheriff Joan Kerr ordered:
A Community Payback Order with 18 months of statutory supervision
An order disqualifying her from owning or keeping animals for a period of 18 months
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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