Catherine Ann Stewart

A Glasgow woman left her dogs and a nine-week-old kitten without food or accessible water while she went on holiday to Blackpool — after already being warned about leaving animals unattended.

Catherine Ann Stewart, aged 37, of Castlemilk, pleaded guilty to three animal-welfare charges. She was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court on October 5, 2026, receiving an 18-month animal ownership ban and a Community Payback Order with 18 months of supervision.

For elderly dog Tasha, rescue came after months of untreated and relentless pain. The 14-year-old Pomeranian/chihuahua-type dog was coughing, unable to jump and had dropped from a previously recorded 4.7kg to just 3.9kg. She was not registered with a vet.

Inspectors discovered eight other animals inside Stewart’s home in July 2025: three dogs, a kitten and four goldfish.

The dogs were restricted to a hallway and living room that stank of ammonia and faeces. There was no food. The only visible water was in a mop bucket that tiny Tasha could not reach.

Behind another bedroom door, kitten Blade was alone, crying for attention, with no food, water or litter tray.

A veterinary examination found Tasha had symptoms suggestive of chronic heart failure, alongside dental disease and painful hindleg joints. The vet concluded she had been suffering for at least two to three months without treatment.

Tasha was subsequently put to sleep on welfare grounds.

The court heard that an inspector initially placed tape across Stewart’s door and left a calling card. When he returned the following day, the tape remained undisturbed.

Stewart claimed her sister was caring for the pets. Her sister denied ever being asked. Stewart also told a housing officer she had a camera inside to check on the animals remotely.

A camera could show the living room. It could not feed the dogs, replenish their water or get veterinary treatment for Tasha.

The Scottish SPCA said this was a repeated pattern of behaviour and Stewart had previously received an official warning about leaving animals alone.

At sentencing, Sheriff Joan Kerr referred to background reports concerning Stewart’s ability to think clearly and solve problems. She was described in court as a first offender. Her defence said earlier inspections had found no concerns.

Blade, border collie-type dogs Gio and Angel, and the four goldfish have since been rehomed. The fish were found in a clean, appropriately sized tank.

Tasha never got that fresh start, she died alone and in pain, while Stewart walked free from court

Source: UK Database on Facebook