PATRICIA STEVEN FROM CARDENDEN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PETS IN LOCHGELLY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cardenden and the surrounding area of Lochgelly, Patricia Steven, born on December 9, 1968, was found guilty of neglecting and causing suffering to multiple animals kept in her home. The investigation into her property on Carden Avenue revealed a horrifying scene of animal cruelty and neglect that spanned several months.

On November 5, 2020, Scottish SPCA officers responded to concerns raised by local residents about the welfare of animals at Steven’s residence. Upon arrival, they discovered two dogs suffering from infections and an undernourished snake, along with a total of eleven cats living in the attic space. The conditions in the home were deplorable, with the animals subjected to severe neglect and inadequate care.

The officers found that Steven had failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment for her dogs, Shadow and Cordy. Both animals were infested with fleas and suffering from chronic skin conditions. Shadow, an elderly black Labrador, was found lying among rubbish bags in the kitchen, emaciated with significant hair loss across his back and legs. Due to his poor health, the veterinarian confirmed that Shadow had to be euthanized on welfare grounds. Cordy, a white Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog, was seen frantically rummaging through bin bags, desperately searching for food. She was also severely underweight, with visible skin issues, including hair loss and thickened patches on her back.

In addition to the dogs, the officers discovered a corn snake living in a makeshift enclosure within a cabinet in the living room. The snake was underfed and kept in unsuitable conditions, further highlighting the extent of Steven’s neglect.

During the investigation, Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross explained that her team initially responded to concerns about the animals’ welfare. Despite Steven’s claims that the animals were no longer at the property, multiple credible witnesses confirmed their presence. A warrant was executed on November 23, 2020, with Police Scotland assisting due to Steven’s hostile behavior. The officers proceeded to the attic, where they found a group of cats and kittens kept in unsafe conditions. The attic was only partially floored, with exposed insulation and a hatch leading to the space, which posed a risk of injury to the animals. The cats were visibly distressed, scratching themselves incessantly, and behaving erratically, indicating severe discomfort and stress.

All animals were removed from the property and taken to Scottish SPCA rescue centers. The cats received immediate treatment for flea infestations and flea allergy dermatitis, with some exhibiting hair loss and scabs. One of the cats, named Fred, required dental treatment and was diagnosed with a grade four heart murmur. The veterinary assessments confirmed that both dogs were severely malnourished, with a body condition score of just two out of nine, indicating extreme emaciation that would have taken at least three weeks to develop. Both dogs also suffered from severe flea infestations, ear infections, and inflammation in their eyes.

Steven admitted to causing suffering to her animals by neglecting their basic needs from August through November 2020. Her solicitor, Peter Robertson, argued that Steven was an animal lover overwhelmed by caring for so many animals on a limited income. He claimed she believed she could manage the situation herself and was deeply upset by the consequences, stating, “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.”

However, the court was unpersuaded by her defense. Sheriff Timothy Niven-Smith emphasized personal responsibility, stating, “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.”

As a result of her actions, Steven was sentenced to an 108-day curfew and was banned from keeping animals for ten years. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the community of Cardenden and Lochgelly.