Highland Scottish SPCA inspectors found ‘shocking’ level of animal neglect at home
Animal inspectors have detailed the “overwhelming evidence of neglect” they found at the home of a man convicted of failing to care for a host of pets.
Scott Trist (35) was living at an address in Thain Road, Whitebridge when he was visited by Scottish SPCA inspectors following a complaint by a member of the public.
Initially refused access, when inspectors were able to gain entry to the property they found numerous animals in a poor condition including an underfed boa constrictor in a tank and a pygmy hedgehog which had no food and was suffering from an eye and a leg injury.
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He also had four dogs strewn with dog faeces.
Trist, who now lives in Farr near Inverness, admitted three charges under the Animal Welfare Act when he appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court this week, relating to causing the hedgehog unnecessary suffering and not providing it, the snake and a catfish with a suitable environment and diet.
He also admitted not keeping the dogs in a suitable environment, and failing to protect them from suffering, injury or disease by keeping them in squalid and unhygienic conditions.
He was ordered to carry out 210 hours of unpaid community work and warned jail would follow if he did not comply.
He was also banned from keeping, caring or owning any animal for four years with the exception of transporting horses belonging to his partner after the court heard there were no welfare concerns regarding them.
Sharing with The Inverness Courier the distressing details of what they found on entering Trist’s then home address the Scottish SPCA said this included a six-month-old puppy named Sadie “so frightened that she was desperately attempting to hide under a cabinet inside her pen”.
An inspector reported: “In April 2024, whilst conducting general duties, we attended an address following a complaint to our Animal Helpline. The report raised serious concerns about the living conditions for the dogs at the property, including a large amount of faeces in the rear garden.
“Scott Trist identified himself as the tenant of the property and owner of the dogs (but) refused to let us enter or inspect the rear garden. He reported having several dogs inside the house and mentioned the presence of two boa constrictors.
“Following continued refusal to cooperate, we obtained a warrant to enter the premises.
“What we found inside was shocking – multiple dogs were living in filth and a terrified puppy trying to hide.
“From outside the conservatory, three dogs were clearly visible to all in attendance. These included a female German Shepherd type, a female Dogue de Bordeaux cross, and a male Presa Canario type.
“Upon entering the living room, we were met with overwhelming evidence of neglect.
“The floor was heavily soiled with dog excrement, and a section of the room had been fenced off, forming a pen that was saturated with faeces and urine. Within this pen was a young female crossbreed dog, around six months old.
“The puppy was visibly distressed, cowering in fear and attempting to squeeze under a cabinet to hide.
“The garden was covered in dog faeces and alongside the wall of the house were numerous black bin bags full of household waste and dog faeces.
“Upstairs, we found a small bedroom containing multiple reptile tanks. While most of the enclosures were empty, one large vivarium housed a boa constrictor measuring approximately seven feet in length. The snake was visibly underweight, and the enclosure was strewn with numerous dead, uneaten chicks.
“Another vivarium containing an African pygmy hedgehog, lacked any form of heating or lighting, and no food was available inside. The hedgehog had a visibly inflamed injury to her right eye and a noticeable lump on her front right leg.
“All animals were removed from the property under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
“This case highlights the severe consequences of neglect and the suffering that animals endure when people fail to meet even the most basic standards of care. We are relieved these animals are now safe and are now in the homes they deserve.”
Any member of the public concerned about the welfare of an animal can contact the Scottish SPCA confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.