Doorman banned from keeping pets
A NEWCASTLE United doorman has been banned from keeping animals indefinitely after causing the death of two cats by starvation.
Stephen Scott, 21, looked after them so badly one was dead before it could be rescued and the other was later put down.
He also neglected a flea-bitten dog and two other moggies, whose weights were at least 20% below a healthy level, a court heard.
Even when the RSPCA intervened at his filth-ridden home in Vine Street, Tyne Dock, South Shields, he refused to sign them over.
Scott, now of Hillsview Avenue, Fawdon, Newcastle, also failed to visit a vet with a £50 voucher given to him by the animal welfare charity.
It would have paid for flea treatment for black and white female lurcher cross Lara, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.
Sentencing Scott, who has mental health issues and a learning disorder, District Judge Kathryn Meek said: “There were five animals, two of which died because of your poor treatment. I’m satisfied that mental health played a part. I’m also satisfied that you did not deliberately mistreat, more a lack of ability. However, the consequences were severe.”
RSPCA prosecutor Alex Bousfield said inspectors became aware of issues around neglect in September 2019.
They officially warned Scott and handed over the voucher, and further visits to the property followed in November and December.
In one, Scott refused to sign the animals over, and it was only in early February last year that RSPCA efforts accelerated.
It came after a maintenance worker peered inside and was so appalled by the animals’ condition that he took Scott to a vet with a cat.
Mr Bousfield said: “The RSPCA then entered the premises, they found it in a very poor condition.
“There was faeces on the floor, it wasn’t a good condition for anyone to live in. The cats were underweight, and the dog was found to still have a problem with fleas.
The court heard the surviving animals will be rehoused by the RSPCA.
Mark Gibson, defending, said: “In December 2019, his working hours were reduced by about half. It meant he was struggling to make ends meet for himself and also for the animals.
“He’s just started to get doors at Newcastle United football ground, even though there’s no fans, they still need people there.”
Scott pleaded guilty to five charges of animal cruelty, between January 1 and February 4, 2020.
Judge Meek handed Scott an indefinite ban from owning or looking after animals, but said the law allowed him to apply to change that after three years.
She gave him an 18-month community order, with 26 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service. Scott must also do 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £400 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.