CONVICTED (2021) | Kevin Hunter, born 10 September 1967, of 1 Tweed Street, Larkhall ML9 1HR – failed to get medical treatment for his severely injured dog.
Hunter admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a one-year-old border collie named Glenn.
Scottish SPCA officers attended Hunter’s home in Larkhall in July 2020 amid concerns Glenn had been injured by another dog. But when they examined him, they could see that an elastic band had been wrapped tightly around his head and throat and then left there for so long that it had become embedded.
When confronted over the horrific wound, Hunter initially claimed the injury had occurred the previous day, before feigning ignorance of it completely.
But SSPCA inspector Jack Marshall said ‘the wounds on Glenn’s head were immediately visible’.
He continued: ‘Hunter was vague about when the wounds had occurred, initially claiming the incident happened the day before our visit and then a few days before.
‘When we removed Glenn for veterinary treatment, on closer examination we were shocked to see the full extent of his wounds and the elastic band embedded in his head.’
Mr Marshal said the vet guessed Glenn had been left like that ‘for closer to two weeks due to the extent of the damage’ and the infection, adding: ‘This would have caused Glenn unimaginable pain and suffering.
‘Hunter later claimed he was unaware that his dog had any injury until we visited.
‘The wounds were clearly visible on Glenn’s head and any reasonable owner would have been aware that he needed medical attention.
‘We are still unclear how or why the elastic band came to be on his head at all.’
In court Hunter also admitted breaching a non-harassment order designed to keep him away from his former partner and failing to comply with three community payback orders.
Defence agent Stephen McQuillan said his client has a “chronic” alcohol problem.
He urged Sheriff Douglas Brown not to jail him, adding: “He needs help.”
But the sheriff said the “accumulation of matters” meant prison was inevitable.
He stated: “There is a very unfavourable criminal justice social work report.
“He tries to minimise his involvement. Essentially there is no option but custody.”
Hunter was jailed for a total of 10 months, including two months for neglecting his dog.
Scottish SPCA chief inspector Sarah Gregory welcomed the sentence.
She said: “We hope he seriously reconsiders his ability to are for any animal in future.
Glenn made good progress over the following weeks and was rehomed once his wounds had healed.
Sentencing 10-month custodial sentencing including two months for the cruelty charge. Banned from keeping any animal for five years (expires May 2026).