COLIN WEST ABANDONS PET CAT IN ABERDEEN FLAT FOR FOUR DAYS, FACES BAN AND FINE

In a distressing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates in Aberdeen, Colin West, born on October 5, 1969, and residing on Farquhar Road, was found guilty of neglecting his pet cat, Rosie, by leaving her alone in his empty flat for a period of four days. The incident highlights serious concerns about animal care and the responsibilities of pet owners within the community.

West openly admitted to Scottish SPCA inspectors that he had left Rosie unattended in his residence without providing any food or water during this extended period. The neglect was brought to light after a concerned member of the public tipped off authorities, prompting an investigation into the welfare of the animal. Scottish SPCA inspectors responded promptly, visiting West’s flat on multiple occasions to assess the situation and attempt to assist Rosie.

During their visits, inspectors found the conditions inside the flat to be appalling. Rosie was visibly starving, having resorted to chewing open packets of dry rice and pasta in a desperate attempt to find sustenance. The flat was in a deplorable state, with a dirty litter tray, an empty food bowl, and numerous chewed packets of food scattered around. The only water available to Rosie was contaminated, coming from the toilet bowl, which underscored the neglect she had endured.

Alexandra Campbell, a Scottish SPCA inspector, expressed her shock at the scene. She stated, “I was shocked when I gained entry to the property as the condition of the flat was horrendous, with signs that Rosie had been consistently left unattended including a dirty litter tray, an empty food bowl and numerous chewed packets of food. No food had been left and the only water source available was dirty water from the toilet bowl. Rosie must have been so hungry that she had sought out food sources such as dry rice and pasta.”

The investigation culminated in the court issuing a ban on West keeping animals for a period of five years, which will expire in March 2026. The court also imposed a fine of £80 on West for his neglectful actions. Despite the relatively short ban, the court’s decision reflects a firm stance against animal cruelty and neglect, emphasizing that no animal should be left without proper care, including adequate food, water, warmth, and regular checks at least every 24 hours.

Inspector Campbell concluded, “No animal should be left unattended for a period of time without proper provisions being made for its welfare. Such provisions include food, water, warmth and that the animal is checked on at least every 24 hours.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglect within the Aberdeen community.