Animal welfare chiefs have slated a court decision to return a cat and a dog to a woman who kept them in filthy conditions - despite a ban being in place.

Susan Hume, 45, kept border collie Jake and ginger tabby Simba in a squalid flat coated in animal waste and broken furniture.

The wooden floorboards were caked in faeces and soaked in urine - so much so the dog’s paws were burnt.

Rubbish was also found piled up in the flat in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, where the animals were exposed to sharp objects and medication as well as cigarette smoke.

The Scottish SPCA launched an investigation and Hume was later taken to court accused of failing to meet the needs of the animals in her care.

She pleaded guilty and was given a supervisory Community Payback Order for 12 months.

When she appeared in court on November 9, Hume was given a disqualification order for the dog, suspended for 12 months. No charge was brought for the cat.

The SSPCA slated the decision to return the animals to Hume - and said it was down to her to consider whether she was able to care for the animals.

Scottish SPCA inspector Nicola Liddell said: “This case gives out a confusing message.

“To be banned from owning dogs and not the cat, along with being able to get her animals back, highlights the inconsistency among sentencing.

“The living conditions of both Jake and Simba were absolutely horrendous.

“The house was so dirty that Jake’s coat was matted with faeces and his feet were badly scalded due to prolonged contact with the damp, urine soaked floor.

“Simba the cat had regular access to the outdoors so was not affected in the same way.

“Both animals smelled strongly of cigarette smoke and urine.

“As a result of our enquiries, we removed Jake and Simba from the premises.

“While we respect the decision of the court we are disappointed by this sentence.

“Due to this, the animals will be returned to her.

“We hope that Hume now fully ensures the welfare of both Jake and Simba and will seriously consider whether she can adequately provide for any animal in the future.”