ASHLEIGH HUME FROM COWIE SENTENCED FOR NEGLECTING PET CAT MORGAN IN STIRLING

Ashleigh Hume, born on August 22, 1980, and residing at Brig O’Doon Grove in Cowie, Stirling FK7 7BZ, was found guilty of neglecting her pet cat, Morgan, leading to severe suffering and abandonment. The case drew attention after neighbors raised concerns about the welfare of the feline, which was left alone inside Hume’s flat for an extended period without access to food or water.

Hume, a single mother of two, had moved out of her flat to live with her boyfriend, leaving Morgan behind. The neighbors, worried about the cat’s deteriorating condition, contacted the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). Responding to these reports, SSPCA officers entered the property, which was reportedly in a state of disarray and emitting a foul odor. Inside, they discovered Morgan in a dire state of health, visibly emaciated and exhibiting signs of distress. The court described the cat’s behavior as erratic, with Morgan hissing, crying, and running in circles, clearly suffering from neglect.

Further inspection revealed a trail of shredded rubbish bags, which Morgan had chewed through, along with numerous empty sachets and boxes of cat food, indicating a prolonged period of deprivation. The veterinary treatment confirmed the severity of Morgan’s condition, and the cat was subsequently taken into care by the SSPCA. After receiving medical attention, Morgan was placed in a safe environment, away from her neglectful owner.

Hume’s flat, which was rented, had its locks changed following the discovery, and she was left a note. However, she only returned to the property three weeks later to collect the new keys. Her visit was preceded by a police caution at Stirling Golf Club, where she was employed, on October 16, 2019. When questioned about Morgan’s last feeding, Hume admitted that it had been “a few weeks” prior to the rescue.

At the court hearing, Hume, aged 39, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Morgan by failing to provide proper care and nutrition between July 29 and September 19, 2019. She also admitted to abandoning the cat, which is a violation of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act. Sheriff Robert Dickson, acknowledging her early plea, stated that it was just enough to prevent a prison sentence, though he emphasized the seriousness of her actions.

As part of her sentence, Hume was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, fined £650, and banned from owning any animals for a period of ten years. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences faced by those who neglect their pets, especially in cases where the animals suffer due to prolonged abandonment and lack of basic necessities.