A Scots man who abandoned his starving cat in a locked flat forcing it to drink from the toilet has been banned from keeping animals for five years.
Colin West, 51, admitted to leaving poor Rosie alone at his Aberdeen home for four days with no attempt to provide food or water.
Scottish SPCA inspectors were alerted to the incident after a call from a concerned member of the public.
Rescuers visited the address on a number of occasions, feeding her through the letter box, and eventually gaining entry with assistance from the local authority.
Rosie had been so desperate for food she had chewed open packets of dry rice and pasta and was drinking water from the toilet.
West, of Farquhar Road, Aberdeen, was given a five year ban on owning animals and an £80 fine as he confessed to failing to monitor the cat’s welfare between 27 September and 30 September 2020.
He pled guilty to failing to make provisions for his cat’s welfare at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on March 15 2021.
Scottish SPCA inspector Alexandra Campbell said, “I am pleased Mr West has pled guilty to this offence as it indicates that he acknowledges his actions were not adequate.
“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.
“However, I am delighted that the court has issued a ban in this instance which ensures another animal will not be subjected to this.
“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.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
