Tag Archives: Midlothian

Penicuik, Midlothian: Alexander Hamilton

March 7, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Alexander Hamilton, born c. 1959, of 112 Windsor Drive, Penicuik EH26 8EP – trapped and starved magpies to death in his garden.

Prosecution of Alexander Hamilton from Penicuik, Midlothian, who trapped magpies in his garden and starved them to death.

Hamilton, a former gamekeeper, pleaded guilty to confining /ibirds in illegal cages in his garden.

A trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how Hamilton deprived the animals of food, water and adequate shelter, which caused them deep distress.

His disturbing operation was uncovered by SSPCA animal welfare officers on July 29, 2022, after the alarm was raised by a neighbour who witnessed two of the birds being trapped at his property.

The magpies were discovered locked up in several small metal cages, as another bird was found lying dead on paving slabs outside.

Animal welfare officers reported how three of the traps were found in the bottom corner of Hamilton’s garden, hidden from the rest of the area by a large fencing panel. They discovered the first trap to be an illegal Larsen Mate trap containing one magpie, which was crammed into the tiny space and in poor condition.

In the second cage, another magpie was found in poor bodily condition. It had managed to squeeze through the mesh on the floor and enter a space underneath the adjacent shed.

The court heard how SSPCA officers could hear the bird scraping and pecking at the wooden floor, in a clear state of distress. After intervention, the magpies were released from the cages and into the wild.

Commenting on his sentence, SSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Rafferty, Special Investigation Unit, said: “We are pleased with the five-year ban at the sentencing result. All animals should be protected from suffering and this includes magpies.

“Our team treats these cases seriously and it is good to see that the courts share this view. We will continue to investigate this type of offending, to ensure people like Hamilton are caught and stopped from further cruelty acts.

“I would like to thank the Procurator Fiscal Karon Rollo and the Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit.”

Sentencing | 100 hours of community service. Five-year ban on owning and keeping animals (expires March 2029).

Scottish SPCA News

Animal Torture, hedgehogs, Other Mammals, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Bonnyrig, Midlothian: Niall Sheridan

December 2, 2021 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2021) | Niall S Sheridan, born 14 May 1999, with a most recent known address of Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg EH19 3AE but with links to the towns of Loanhead, Lasswade and Gorebridge, Midlothian – tortured and killed a hedgehog by stamping on her, stabbing her with a knife and striking her with a pool cue.

Niall Sheridan, who tortured a helpless hedgehog to death.

Sheridan also played football with the female creature in the corridor of his homeless accommodation in Midlothian and hit her with a ‘wet floor’ cone.

He used a knife to stab the hedgehog around ten times during the harrowing incident caught on CCTV.

As Sheridan laughed and joked with another man and filmed the abuse on his mobile phone, the hedgehog suffered an agonising 20 minute ordeal.

Police were called by concerned staff at the Kilbreck House homeless unit and officers were forced to restrain Sheridan using handcuffs, leg restraints and a spit hood.

The court heard he shouted threats including saying he would “slit their throats” and “harm their families”.

A postmortem conducted by a vet found the hedgehog likely endured “significant and unnecessary pain and suffering” as death wasn’t instantaneous.

The thug pleaded guilty to a number of charges including causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering before killing it on July 12, 2021.

Sheridan also pleaded guilty to charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, knife possession, and making threats of violence to police.

Sheridan’s lawyer, David Storrie, told the court his client was high on a mixture of drink and drugs at the time.

The court heard he had consumed an “alarming amount of vodka and Buckfast” as well as Valium before the incident.

Storrie added that Sheridan is now clean of drugs due to being on remand and the period of custody has “done him the power of good”.

But Sheriff Daniel Kelly told Sheridan he had committed a “cruel and prolonged” attack on the animal and had “caused significant injuries and ultimately its death”.

He added: “It does have to be recognised that this was horrific, and a horrific way to treat an animal.

“You were admitted to Kilbreck House and you did go out and return with the hedgehog so there is some intent there.”

Sentencing: jailed for 20 months and banned from owning or keeping any animal for the next 10 years.

Edinburgh Evening News

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Dalkeith, Midlothian: Debi Ballantine-Brown

December 16, 2020 misanthropic 21 Comments

CONVICTED (2020) | Debi Ballantine-Brown, born c. 1967, of Ruskin Place, Mayfield, Dalkeith EH22 5QJ – starved and neglected two Weimaraner dogs

Dog abuser Debbi Ballantine-Brown from Dalkeith, Midlothian, Scotland — Evil Debbi Ballantine-Brown is free to get another dog immediately due to the latest appalling decision by the Scottish courts

Debbi Ballantine-Brown failed to provide suitable veterinary treatment for her Weimaraner dogs Ember and Buckley between 1 January and 26 February 2019

Surviving dog Buckley — Skin and bone: Ballantine-Brown’s dogs Ember and Buckley

A deprivation order was issued for Buckley, allowing him to be rehomed, but sadly Ember was put to sleep due to age-related health complaints before the case came to trial, the Scottish SPCA said.

Ballantine-Brown was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 15 December 2020.

ALLEGED animal abuser Megan Hollingsworth — Megan Hollingsworth was charged alongside her mother but walked free from court

The case against her daughter Megan Charlotte Hollingsworth (born 19/03/1996) was not proven

Scottish SPCA Inspector Fiona Thorburn said, “We received a report from a concerned member of the public regarding dogs in the property shared by Ballantine-Brown and Hollingsworth, two of which were emaciated.

“On arrival at the address I had immediate concerns for the welfare of the dogs, particularly the female Weimaraner, Ember, who was so emaciated her pelvis, vertebrae and ribs were all clearly protruding. When she was examined by a vet she was found to weigh just 20kg, when she should have weighed over 26kg.

“Buckley, the male Weimaraner was also very underweight and his ribs and pelvis were clearly visible. On examination he was found to be 15.7kg when he should have been over 20kg.

“On further investigation it was found that Ember had not seen a vet at all despite her terrible condition and Buckley had not been examined since 22 October 2018.

“The dogs would have been caused to suffer considerably in becoming this thin and a responsible owner should have taken them to a vet much sooner. They gained weight rapidly in the care of the Scottish SPCA, with Buckley gaining 49 per cent and Ember gaining 37 per cent in the four weeks following their removal from Ruskin Place.”

She added: “We’re pleased that a ban on keeping multiple dogs has been issued and hope Ballantine-Brown will carefully consider her ability to look after any animal in the future

“We are glad a deprivation order has been issued for Buckley and he can now find the loving home he deserves after spending 22 months in our care.”

Sentencing: five-year ban on keeping more than one dog. Deprivation order on the surviving dog.

Scottish SPCA News

farms / smallholdings, Food Production

Penicuik, Midlothian: William Brown

February 25, 2020 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2020) | farmer William Martin Brown, born 16/01/1961, of Herbertshaw Farm, Howgate, near Penicuik EH26 8QA – filmed by undercover officer punching and kicking sheep

Still from the undercover video footage showing Penicuik farmer William Brown abusing sheep

William Brown was filmed violently abusing two male sheep by a PETA officer posing undercover as a farmworker.

In the footage, Brown can also be heard shouting “Come on ya fucking cunt” and “fucking bastards” at the frightened animals.

Brown pleaded guilty to causing the protected animals unnecessary suffering by repeatedly punching and kicking them and was fined. He was not banned from owning or working with animals

The Scottish SPCA said it was pleased Brown admitted the offence, but was disappointed that no ban was imposed on him by the court.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector John Chisholm said: “This is a serious case of animal cruelty by an experienced farmer. He will be fully aware that sheep experience fear and can perceive humans as a threat.

“Violently lashing out at the sheep will spread fear amongst the rest of the flock.

“We would expect anyone involved in the rearing of livestock for commercial purposes to have the highest standards of welfare and treatment.

“We are disappointed that Brown wasn’t banned from owning or working with animals but we hope this will serve as a warning that this behaviour is unacceptable and we will fully investigate any reports of cruelty towards livestock.

“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss welfare practice with the wider industry.”

Sentencing: fined £550

STV News
Daily Record

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Tranent, East Lothian: Robert Lunn

October 10, 2018 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2018) | Robert Lunn, born 08/03/1993, formerly of Ormiston Crescent West, Tranent EH33 and more recently New Poltonhall, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian EH19 3HP – left a wounded dog to starve in a cage soaked in his own urine.

Animal abuser: Robert Lunn from Tranent, East Lothian

Eight-year-old American bulldog Capone was found by Scottish SPCA investigators lying in a cage with large wounds on his legs, struggling to stand up. He was so badly neglected and starved he had apparently started to eat his own back legs.

Capone’s owner, Robert Lunn, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering under section 19 of the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

American bulldog Capone was locked in a cage and starved by Robert Lunn from Tranent, East Lothian

Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Stephanie McCrossan said, “Capone was found in an emaciated state lying in a cage soaked in his own urine. He had large wounds on his hind legs and was struggling to stand up.

“After being examined by a vet it was found that he had no overlying fat and was extremely dehydrated. Lunn had a duty of care and caused Capone to suffer by failing to provide an adequate diet and seek veterinary treatment.

“Thankfully Capone is on his way to a full recovery and, when he is ready, we will find him a loving forever home.”

Sentencing:
£360 fine and a deprivation order. Banned from keeping dogs for five years (expires October 2023).

Scottish SPCA Newsroom
The Sun

Dogs, Lifers

Dalkeith, Midlothian: Natalie Livingstone

December 18, 2015 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2015) | Natalie Mclean Livingstone (aka Nat Amos or Nat Davidson), born 07/01/1991, of Jean Armour Drive, Dalkeith EH22 2LN – neglected and starved a dog, who had to be put to sleep

Livingstone pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable diet and veterinary care for a female terrier named Indi, contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, a Scottish SPCA undercover inspector said, “When Livingstone took a severely underweight Indi to a vet, she claimed she had only taken ownership of her two days previously.

“The vet advised that Indi was severely malnourished and it was unlikely she would survive any treatment. Sadly, she had to be put to sleep to prevent any further suffering.

“In the vet’s opinion, Indi had been deprived of food, water and veterinary care over a prolonged period of time.

“A post-mortem examination confirmed Indi was malnourished and had no food in her stomach or intestines, indicating she had not eaten for the last 48 hours.

“When we contacted Livingstone, she claimed she had bought her online and had picked her up from an unknown male.

Dog killer Natalie Livingstone with partner Alan Amos — Livingstone with then partner Alan ‘AJ’ Amos. The pair lived together at Hawthorne Crescent, but Amos faced no cruelty charges

“Through our Facebook enquiries, we were able to determine that Livingstone was Indi’s owner and had been for some time.

“We are pleased Livingstone has been dealt with by the courts and that this serious case of neglect has been rightly recognised with a lifetime ban.”

Sentence: 100 hour community payback order. Lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals.

Sun

Dogs, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Tranent, East Lothian: Dean Ross

December 18, 2014 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2014) | Dean Ross, born 18 October 1984, then of Caponhill Road, Tranent but with family links to Windsor Park Terrace, Musselburgh* – starved his pet dog and buried him in the garden after the animal died from malnutrition

Dog killer: Dean Ross from Tranent, Scotland, East Lothian

Dean Ross, a former soldier who served in the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, failed to regularly feed five-year-old Weimaraner Dexter or take him to the vet for urgent lifesaving treatment.

After starving Dexter Ross gave the pedigree dog a large amount of food which resulted in the animal’s sudden death from a condition called re-feeding syndrome.

After Dexter died, Ross buried his emaciated body in the back garden of his home in Tranent in East Lothian.

Dean Ross starved his two dogs bur only Roxy (main image) survived. The SSPCA were forced to dig up the emaciated body of the other dog, Dexter, after Ross buried it in his back garden

Depute fiscal Graham Fraser told the court the Scottish SPCA received a report concerning Dexter in February 2013. After an excavation order was obtained, the animal’s remains were dug up from Ross’s back garden.

Veterinary examination found the dog was less than half the weight he should have been, with a body score of one over nine

Ross, now a plumbing engineer, told the authorities he was no longer able to “afford the necessary veterinary treatment”.

Mr Fraser added: ““There was a combination of the lack of veterinary care and inadequate diet, and the vet’s attention should have been sought.”

He said Dexter had died from re-feeding syndrome, which can result in the sudden death of starved animals who are suddenly provided with food.

He added: “His [the pathologist] opinion is that the dog’s very poor condition indicated that the welfare had been ‘significantly compromised’.”

The court heard it would have taken “several months” for Dexter to become so ill, and an animal pathologist report stated the dog’s weight loss and eventual death was due to “long-term lack of food”.

The pathologist’s report added any failure to provide enough nourishment to an animal over several months would have “led to widespread organ failure”.

Ross pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary attention and a wholesome diet for Dexter and another Weimaraner named Roxy.

Sentencing Ross, Sheriff Peter Braid described his treatment of Dexter as “sickening in the extreme”.

Inspector Emma Phillips, of the Scottish SPCA, welcomed the life ban for Ross.

Surviving dog Roxy after being nursed back to health

Inspector Phillips said: “We were alerted when Ross’s female Weimaraner named Roxy was handed into another animal charity and they took her to a vets due to her poor body condition. Roxy was emaciated and weighed just 18kgs, which is half the weight she should have been.

“She had no muscle mass and all her bones were clearly visible.

“A blood test revealed no underlying health issues, confirming her weight loss had been caused by a lack of food. We were advised a second dog named Dexter had recently died at Ross’ property and was buried in the back garden.

“We arranged for Dexter’s body to be exhumed so a post mortem could be carried out. Dexter was severely emaciated and had protein-energy malnutrition, likely caused by a lack of food.

“We are pleased Ross has received a lifetime ban on owning animals following our investigation.

“While tragically it was too late for Dexter, Roxy made a full recovery in our care and has since found a loving new home where she is doing well.”

Sentencing | 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.. Lifetime ban on owning animals.

East Lothian Courier
Four Legged Friends and Enemies (blog)

Location Update 2023

Dean Ross is reportedly now living in Auld Coal Medway, Bonnyrigg , Midlothian EH19 3GW.

UK Animal Cruelty Files