Newarthill man let a cat starve to death

Stephen Smith claimed pet Molly had gone missing, but the cat’s emaciated body was found under a bed in the rubbish-strewn, stinking property in Newarthill

A shocked welfare officer said the filthy house was “no place for a human or an animal”.

Smith, 44, has now been fined £420 at Hamilton Sheriff Court and banned from keeping cats for a year.

The court heard Molly suffered severe organ failure due to malnutrition which resulted in her death.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted by a caller who said Smith left his cat in the house for long periods and was living elsewhere in the village.

Officers were shocked when they entered the empty house in High Street.

Inspector Dawn Robertson said: “There was an overwhelming stench of ammonia and faeces.

“The property was in an appalling state. The floor wasn’t visible due to rubbish, damaged furniture and appliances throughout.

“There was faeces and dirt everywhere. It was no place for a human or animal.

“The living conditions were some of the worst I have ever encountered.

“There was only one litter tray and it was overflowing. The bathroom was covered in faeces and it would appear this is where Molly had been toileting.”

Smith claimed the cat had gone missing, but her “extremely thin, malnourished body” was found under a bed.

Inspector Robertson added: “It would have taken at least two months for her to be in this condition.

“Smith said he had not been living in the property but returned to feed Molly every few days.

“But, due to the extent of her condition, we believe she had not been fed at all over the two-month period.”

The animal welfare organisation is “disappointed” with the sentence.

Inspector Robertson stated: “We were hoping for a sentence that reflected the level of neglect in this case.

“Molly’s death was entirely avoidable if Smith had provided her with even the most basic of care.

“We hope he will carefully consider his ability to look after any animal in the future.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal, please do not hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”