Aberdeenshire dog walker and pet sitter banned for animal neglect
An Aberdeenshire dog walker has been given a disqualification order imposed for five-years relating to dogs, cats and other household pets after admitting to multiple counts of animal neglect, including keeping more than 20 animals in “squalid and hazardous conditions”.
Sarah Cummines, of Aberdeenshire, appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court on 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 found 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: “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.
Cummines refused help and the opportunity to relinquish the animals voluntarily, so 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.
The 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.”
