CONVICTED (2024) | wildlife persecutor Liam John Ian Stevenson, born 28 February 1995, previously of 247 Ashley Terrace, Alloa FK10 2ND and now Chapelhill Street, Kincardine, Alloa FK10 4QS – left a Patterdale terrier to suffer with severe facial injuries consistent with badger baiting.
Stevenson, until recently a company director of his family’s scaffolding firm Navigate Scaffolding Ltd, admitted failing to obtain veterinary treatment for his dog Scooter’s horrific injuries.
These included open wounds on his cheeks and an exposed jaw bone. He also had injuries to his body caused by animal bites and scratches and an eye infection. It was evident he had been allowed to suffer for a significant period of time.
Stevenson first came to the attention of the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) in February 2023 after they received a report he had left his dog with untreated injuries.
Speaking about their investigation, an SIU Officer said: “Due to the immediate and real concern for the welfare of the dog being kept the premises were searched.
“While searching we found Scooter within the hallway at the back door in a dog crate.
“He was shaking, whimpering and was clearly in distress. He had very clear and visible open wounds on either side of the underside of his bottom jaw through which you could see its lower jaw bone and bottom teeth.
“The wounds were fresh, seeping and smelt of decaying flesh – it was horrendous.
“The dog was removed from the house due to the immediate concerns for his welfare, and taken to an independent vets practice for assessment and treatment.
“The vet found severe extensive wounds to his face, and multiple more superficial wounds around his body. There were also multiple scars over his body and head indicating he had sustained many wounds over a prolonged period of time.
“The most extensive full-thickness wounds were to the underside of his jaw on both sides, with areas of the jaw visible. In two areas there were holes in his cheeks allowing the oral cavity to be viewed with the mouth shut.
“In our experience these types of injuries can be consistent with badger baiting as badgers have incredible jaw strength. As a result, the injuries that they typically inflict are crushing or tearing injuries rather than small and discreet puncture wounds.
“Classically face-to-face combat will result in these types of injury from the tearing action of the badger’s teeth and claws.
Stevenson’s version of events was that he had bought Scooter from a mystery seller in Ireland for 600 euros and took the injured dog off the man’s hands because he said he felt “intimidated”
Stevenson said he decided to treat the dog himself at his grandad’s home in nearby Tower Way, Sauchie.
The dog was eventually tracked down by the police and taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA, where he received the veterinary treatment he desperately needed.
Speaking after the court hearing, the Scottish SPCA said: “We are pleased at the sentencing today. Scooter had suffered extensively and over a prolonged period of time, without receiving immediate veterinary care for his wounds.
“The specialised veterinary work undertaken by our vets resulted in the dog’s recovery and he has since be rehomed and living the life he deserves.”
Sentencing | 100 hours of unpaid community service. Banned from owning and keeping any animals for ten years (expires July 2034).