STEVE SCOTT'S CRUELTY IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE: PETS STARVED AND NEGLECTED IN VINE STREET

Steven Scott, born on November 30, 1999, and residing on Hillsview Avenue in Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3LB, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty involving multiple pets. His actions led to the tragic deaths of two cats due to starvation, and he was found to have neglected a flea-infested dog along with two other cats, all of which suffered from significant weight loss and poor health.

Scott, who is employed as a steward at Newcastle United, was found to have neglected his animals so badly that one cat had already succumbed to starvation before rescue efforts could be undertaken, while the other was later euthanized due to the extent of her suffering. The RSPCA intervened at his home in Vine Street, Tyne Dock, South Shields, a property shared with his brother Mark Scott, who was also charged with animal cruelty. Despite the intervention, Steven Scott refused to relinquish ownership of the animals, even when presented with a £50 voucher from the RSPCA intended for flea treatment for Lara, a black and white female lurcher cross.

The court heard that Scott has ongoing mental health issues and a learning disorder, which may have contributed to his neglectful behavior. RSPCA prosecutor Alex Bousfield detailed that inspectors first became aware of the neglect concerns in September 2019. Following official warnings and the distribution of the voucher, further inspections occurred in November and December of that year. During these visits, Scott refused to sign the animals over to the RSPCA, delaying their removal.

It was only in early February 2020, after a maintenance worker, appalled by the animals’ condition, took the initiative to take Scott to a veterinarian with one of the cats, that the situation escalated. The RSPCA then conducted a thorough investigation of the property, which was found to be in a deplorable state. The premises were covered in faeces, creating an uninhabitable environment for both humans and animals. The cats, identified as Cuddles and Shankly, were severely underweight, and the dog was still suffering from fleas. Tragically, Cuddles and Shankly died, with post-mortem examinations revealing their stomachs were empty, indicating starvation.

The surviving animals, including Lara, Ginger, and Maisie, were in poor health, with Ginger’s body mass score at just two out of nine, far below the healthy range. Lara exhibited itchy skin, a sign of flea infestation, and the cats showed signs of nutritional deficiency. The court noted that these animals were approximately 80% or slightly less of their healthy body weight at the time of rescue.

Mark Gibson, defending Scott, explained that initially, Scott had only one well-cared-for cat. However, after his teenage brother moved in with two more cats, and their mother added three cats and Lara to Scott’s responsibilities, the burden became overwhelming. Scott’s employment as a door-to-door worker also diminished, making it difficult for him to care for the animals properly. As a result, neglect ensued, and the animals suffered.

Steven Scott pleaded guilty to five charges of animal cruelty committed between January 1 and February 4, 2020. The court sentenced him to an 18-month community order, which includes up to 26 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service, and 150 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £485 in costs and charges. Importantly, Scott received an indefinite ban from owning or caring for animals, although he has the right to appeal this restriction after three years.

In a related case, Mark Scott pleaded guilty in May 2021 to failing to prevent his brother’s mistreatment of the pets. He was fined and received a 10-year ban on owning animals, with the possibility of appealing after two years. The court’s actions highlight the seriousness of animal cruelty cases and the ongoing efforts of the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals in Newcastle upon Tyne and surrounding areas.