Six-year-old German Shepherd Max and four-year-old Staffy Marshmallow were left behind to fend for themselves after Stockdale moved out of her trashed flat in Heritage Way, Fraserburgh.
Both dogs were extremely underweight, with their hips, spine and ribs clearly visible from a distance.
Speaking about their investigation, a Scottish SPCA inspector said: “The whole house was in disarray. There were rubbish bags and broken glass littering the floors. The bedroom was cluttered with personal items and cigarette buts – all easily accessible to the dogs. There was several days if not weeks’ worth of faeces and urine throughout the property, the majority of which was loose or diarrhoea. Some of it had already turned mouldy.”
The Scottish SPCA Inspector added: “[The dogs’] behaviour showed they had had no access to appropriate food or water for a long time. There were empty packets of food across the floor that had been chewed by them, and I found Max drinking from the toilet bowl. They were ravenous when we offered them treats and grabbed at them frantically. It was heart-breaking to see there in such poor conditions.
“There was no bedding or comfortable resting area for the dogs other than a piece of carpet which was also soiled with faeces and urine. Two dog bowls were also seen within this contaminated area and contained no food or water.
“It is one of the worst cases of extreme neglect I have seen in years. It was totally disgusting, abhorrent and heart-wrenching to see that someone could keep animals in those conditions.”
The dogs were taken into the charity’s care and transported to the Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre in Aberdeen.
Veterinary examination found they had been unnecessarily suffering for over a month.
Max’s fur was matted and had dried faeces on it. He was skeletal, with a body score of 1/9. His nails were also overgrown on all four paws, which would have been uncomfortable and painful for him.
Marshmallow was also extremely underweight, with a body score of 2/9. Her coat was also soiled with faeces, and she had an infection in both ears for which she was given treatment.
Hauled before Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Stockdale pleaded guilty to a single charge of causing the animals unnecessary suffering.
Defence lawyer Marianne Milligan said her client had “suffered from mental health issues”.
Reacting to the sentencing, the Scottish SPCA inspector said: “We are pleased with the sheriff’s decision. Stockdale showed very little regard for her dogs’ welfare”.
Sentenced – community payback order; one-year supervision order. Five-year ban (expires April 2031).