CONVICTED (2022) | hoarder Patricia Steven, born 9 December 1968, of Carden Avenue, Cardenden, Lochgelly – kept a menagerie of neglected pets in her filthy home. During a search of Steven’s home on November 5, 2020, Scottish SPCA officers discovered two dogs with infections and an underfed snake, as well as 11 cats in the attic. Steven had failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment for dogs Shadow and Cordy, both of whom were infested with fleas and suffering a chronic skin condition. Shadow, an elderly black Labrador, eventually had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds. She was also found to have failed to provide a “safe environment” for 11 cats and kittens, alongside an underweight adult corn snake. Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross said, “On 5 November 2020, we attended Patricia Steven’s property in response to concerns for two dogs and a number of cats and kittens. “Steven was continually uncooperative and she claimed the animals were no longer at the property, despite multiple credible witnesses reporting their concerns. “A warrant was executed to search the property on 23rd November 2020. Due to Steven’s hostile nature, Police Scotland assisted Scottish SPCA inspectors. “We went up the stairs and immediately saw an open hatch on the ceiling leading to the attic where a group of cats and kittens were being kept. We were concerned that the felines could have fallen from this height and become injured. “The loft was partially floored and very unsafe. There was lots of exposed insulation and the cats were covered in this material. “The cats were scratching themselves incessantly. They appeared distressed and were behaving erratically. “We found two dogs living in filthy conditions in the kitchen. Shadow, an elderly black Labrador, was lying in amongst rubbish bags. He was emaciated with very prominent hair loss down his back and legs. “Cordy, a white Staffordshire bull terrier type dog, was frantically foraging in the bin bags looking for food. She was also emaciated and had an obvious skin complaint, with hair loss, and thickened areas on her back. “A corn snake was also found living in a makeshift enclosure in a living room cabinet. “All animals were removed from the property. A vet confirmed both dogs were severely malnourished and underweight. They also confirmed both dogs were suffering from a severe flea infestation and ear infections. Shadow also had inflammation and infection in both eyes. “The cats were taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where they were treated immediately for their severe flea infestation. Most of the cats had varying degrees of flea allergy dermatitis. Some cats had hair loss and some areas of scabs. “One of the cats, Fred, required dental treatment and was found to have a grade four heart murmur.” A vet later assessed both dogs to have a body condition score of two out of nine – with one being the most emaciated – and said it would have taken at least three weeks to reach this state. Steven admitted causing suffering to two dogs, 11 cats and the snake by failing to provide adequate care between August and November 2020. Solicitor Peter Robertson, defending, said Steven was an animal lover who had found herself “overwhelmed” by trying to care for so many animals on a limited income. “She thought she could solve the problem herself. She’s very upset by it all. She’s been in tears going through it with me – almost hysterically so. “She’s not deliberately set out to harm animals.” Sheriff Timothy Niven-Smith hit back saying: “It doesn’t cost anything to lift faecal matter from your back doorstep. “There’s homeless people who have dogs and beg on the streets who, with no funds whatsoever, manage to feed and care for their animals. “I don’t see how this is solely down to lack of finance.” Sentencing | 108-day curfew. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years. STV News Central Fife Times