STEPHEN SMITH FROM NEWARTHILL FACES JUST £420 FINE AND ONE-YEAR CAT BAN AFTER HORRIFIC NEGLECT CASE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Stephen Smith, a resident of Newarthill, was found responsible for the tragic death of his pet cat, Molly, due to severe neglect and poor living conditions. The incident, which came to light in 2020, revealed a heartbreaking level of cruelty and disregard for the well-being of the animal.

According to reports, Smith failed to provide Molly with proper care over a period spanning from April to June 2020. During this time, the cat was left in a filthy environment, deprived of adequate food and basic hygiene. The Scottish SPCA inspector Dawn Robertson described the living conditions as some of the worst she had ever encountered. She recounted that a welfare concern was raised through their animal helpline, prompting an investigation.

Inspector Robertson explained that the call indicated Molly was being left alone in Smith’s property on High Street, Newarthill, for extended periods. When the authorities arrived, the house was unoccupied, but a strong, foul smell emanated from inside. Despite returning the following day and finding no one home, the inspectors worked on intelligence to locate Smith, eventually discovering him at a different address where he was staying.

Smith consented to let the inspectors into his residence, where they were met with an overwhelming stench of ammonia and feces. The interior was in a deplorable state, with rubbish, damaged furniture, and appliances scattered throughout. The floors were obscured by filth, and the bathroom was covered in excrement, indicating that Molly had been toileting there due to the overflowing litter tray. Despite Smith’s claim that Molly had been missing since June 25, the inspectors conducted a thorough search and found her body hidden under a bed in the bedroom.

Post-mortem examinations confirmed that Molly had suffered organ failure caused by severe malnutrition. It was estimated that her condition had developed over at least two months, during which she was likely not fed at all. The cat was extremely thin and malnourished, a direct consequence of neglect. Smith admitted that he had not been living in the property continuously but had returned periodically to feed Molly. However, given her condition, authorities believe she had been starved during the entire period of neglect.

Inspector Robertson expressed her disappointment with the sentencing, stating that she had hoped for a punishment that more accurately reflected the severity of the neglect. She emphasized that Molly’s suffering was entirely preventable and that Smith was solely responsible for her death. The inspector also urged Smith to reflect on his capacity to care for animals in the future.

In court, Smith was fined £420 and received a ban on keeping cats for one year, a sentence that expired in December 2021. The case has drawn attention to the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, highlighting the tragic outcome of a failure to provide even basic care for a vulnerable pet.