ABERDEENSHIRE WOMAN DEMI CROWLEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND CAT

Demi Crowley, a woman residing in Aberdeenshire, has been officially found guilty of severe neglect and mistreatment of her pets, which included three dogs and a cat. The conviction was handed down at Banff Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 16 April, following her admission of guilt to charges related to failing to provide proper care for her animals. The court's decision resulted in Crowley being disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a period of five years, a measure aimed at preventing her from reoffending and ensuring the welfare of future animals.

According to court records and reports, Crowley’s pets included a brown and white Border Collie named Spud, a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Diesel, and a tan-colored male Cockapoo named Buddy. In addition to neglecting her dogs, she was also found to have failed in her responsibilities towards a female Bengal-type cat, which was kept in deplorable conditions that posed serious risks to her health and well-being. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) inspector involved in the case detailed the disturbing circumstances surrounding the animals’ living environment.

It was revealed that in May of the previous year, authorities responded to a distress call from Police Scotland concerning animal welfare concerns at Crowley's property. Upon arrival, police officers discovered a distressing scene: three dogs confined within a cage that was excessively cramped and left exposed to direct sunlight on a hot day, with no access to water. The inspector described the living conditions as chaotic and filthy, with the cage lacking basic necessities such as bedding, food bowls, or water. The environment was saturated with the overwhelming stench of urine, feces, and ammonia, indicating a severe neglect of hygiene and animal care.

The female Bengal-type cat was found in the bathroom, in a state of extreme neglect. The area was filled with a foul mixture of odors from urine, feces, and ammonia, and the litter tray was overflowing with solid waste and rubbish, with no access to fresh water or food. The inspector emphasized that the conditions in which the animals were kept were entirely unacceptable and constituted a clear violation of animal welfare laws. All four animals were seized by authorities to prevent further suffering and to ensure their safety.

In addition to the five-year ban on owning animals, Crowley was ordered to undertake a one-year community payback order, which involves supervised community service. The Scottish SPCA inspector expressed strong condemnation of the treatment the animals endured, stating that the conditions they were subjected to were utterly unacceptable and highlighted the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws to prevent such cases from recurring.