JASMINE STEVENS FROM GALASHIELS SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN SCOTLAND

Jasmine Stevens, also known as Jasmine Davies and born on 26 January 2001, hails from the town of Galashiels. She was recently convicted in 2024 for the severe neglect of a dog found in her residence, which was described as a stinking, unkempt home. The dog was discovered in a skeletal condition, with no access to food or water, highlighting the extent of the neglect.

Stevens, a single mother, attempted to justify her actions by attributing them to an abusive relationship she was involved in. Her explanation was accepted in part by the court, but it did not absolve her of responsibility for the suffering inflicted upon the animal. The dog, an unnamed lurcher-type, was kept in a cage that lacked any bedding, leading to sores and injuries. The environment was deplorable, with the floor covered in faeces and a strong smell of urine permeating the home.

Responding to a call to their helpline, officers from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) arrived at Stevens' residence. They found the dog in a dire state and immediately transported it to a local veterinary clinic. The animal was given food and water upon arrival and was found to require multiple surgeries and ongoing treatments to recover from the neglect.

Following the investigation, Stevens was charged and admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by failing to provide proper care between April and June 2023. Her legal representative, solicitor Mat Patrick, argued that her actions were influenced by the breakdown of her abusive relationship, which he claimed impacted her mental health at the time.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Ian Anderson expressed the public's natural horror and outrage at the cruelty inflicted upon animals like the dog in question. However, he also acknowledged that Stevens was experiencing poor mental health during the period of neglect.

As part of her sentence, Jasmine Stevens was ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, she was banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of four years, a ban that will expire in July 2028. The case underscores the ongoing concern over animal welfare and the importance of holding individuals accountable for cruelty and neglect in Scotland.