Peterhead man abandoned dog in flat filled with faeces and no food or water

A man has been given an animal ban after abandoning his dog in an “unacceptable” flat filled with faeces that had no access to food or water.

The Scottish SPCA visited Sean Stewart’s property in Peterhead in October 2024 following concerns about his dog, Tess.

Alongside Police Scotland officers, inspectors had to force entry to Stewart’s property because no one was inside the flat.

Upon entry, several days’ worth of faeces were found throughout the property, and the only source of water available was the toilet.

An inspector for the animal welfare charity said: “It was immediately clear that the property was in an unacceptable condition for any animal to be living in.

“There were faeces present throughout the property, particularly in the spare room, hallway and bathroom. The spare room looked to have several days’ worth of faeces, and there was also a carrier bag containing faeces hanging on the door.

“Tess had been left with no access to food or clean water. The only water source available to her was the toilet.

“There was also evidence of rubbish and items that had been chewed throughout the property, which indicated that Tess was stressed, anxious and frustrated while being left alone for a prolonged period.”

Stewart was banned from keeping animals for five years after he admitted breaching animal welfare legislation and was sentenced to one year of supervision at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Tuesday, May 12.

Tess was removed from the property and taken for further care and attention, where she has since been rehomed into a loving new family.

When the Scottish SPCA Inspector came back to the property a few days later to interview Stewart, he had made no effort to clean the flat, and the faeces were still present.

The Inspector added: “We are pleased with the Sheriff’s decision. Tess was left alone for several days in conditions that were completely unacceptable and detrimental to her welfare.

2Stewart failed to provide her with even the most basic care, including food, clean water and a safe living environment.”

“We are relieved Tess was removed from the property and has now been given the second chance she deserves.”