Tag Archives: Dunfermline

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Dunfermline, Fife: Stuart Connolly

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CONVICTED (2023) | Stuart Connolly, born c. 1991, of Headwell Avenue, Dunfermline KY12 0JY but with family links to the Fife village of Oakley- “accidentally stood” on his puppy and left her with an untreated broken leg for days.

Animal abuser and junkie Stuart Connolly from Dunfermline, Fife, pictured outside court
Stuart Connolly pictured outside court. Photo credit: Courier

Persistent petty criminal Connolly’s unnamed Staffy-type pup was only taken to the vet after police went to his house with a search warrant on February 21, 2022.

He was caught that day with more than 10g of heroin at his Headwell Avenue home.

He appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing, having earlier admitted drug possession and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animal were met to the extent required by good practice.

Prosecutor Laura McManus told the court police went to Connolly’s home to execute a search warrant and found it in disarray.

Officers found a very small puppy resembling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who seemed to be walking irregularly, with her right hip protruding.

The fiscal said: “When asked about the pup he stated he stood on it accidentally about five days ago and intended getting it to the vet at some point but because the dog could walk on it he was not overly concerned and stated he had saved up to buy the dog.”

An x-ray of the animal showed there was a leg fracture and the vet said the injury was about two weeks old.

The vet said the break appeared to be healing and no treatment was thought to be necessary but the dog should have received medical treatment at the time to fix the injury with pins.

Ms McManus continued: “It was apparent the accused did not particularly think his behaviour had caused unnecessary suffering to the animal.”

Animal abuser and junkie Stuart Connolly from Dunfermline, Fife

The fiscal depute said police also found 10.7g of heroin inside silver wraps in a Kinder egg and other plastic wraps, with an estimated value of £550.

Defence lawyer Alan Davie said Connolly does not have the dog anymore as the Scottish SPCA removed her from him.

The solicitor said his client had bought the dog and ensured she had vaccinations about two weeks before the offence.

Mr Davie said after Connolly stepped on the dog he noticed she had a limp and did not appreciate how serious a case it was and, rather than address the issue immediately, he waited to see if it would improve.

Mr Davie said Connolly was a heroin addict and at the time of offending was using a considerable quantity – now reduced from two-to-three grammes per day to 0.3g per day.

The fiscal depute called for a court disqualification order in relation to Connolly keeping animals.

Mr Davie said Connolly would be opposed to this and has now got another dog which he has had for eight months.

The solicitor said the offence, though serious, was nearly two years old and his client seems to have looked after the new dog.

Sheriff Francis Gill sentenced Connolly to a 145-day curfew order but was persuaded a disqualification order is not necessary.

Connolly thanked the sheriff as he left court.

Sentencing | meaningless 145-day curfew order and no ban.

Courier

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Dunfermline, Fife: Michael Stobbs

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CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Stobbs, born 17 December 1987, previously of Lumphinnans, near Cowdenbeath, but now living in homeless accommodation in Dunfermline – neglected his loyal pet dog over several weeks and left him alone in an empty property for four days.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.
Dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.

Stobbs, now of Segal House, Segal Place KY12 8AZ , admitted that between January 10 and February 10, 2021, he caused Akita cross Samson unnecessary suffering by leaving him unattended for four days without food or water.

Akita cross Samson was locked in a kitchen with no food and water and left there for four days

He also failed to seek appropriate veterinary attention for the dog’s ear, eye and skin infections.

There was a request for disqualification but this was refused by the Sheriff.

SSPCA Inspector Nicola Liddell said, “On 10 February 2021, we attended Mr Stobbs’ property in response to calls to our helpline about a dog that had been left alone in the property for a number of days.

“On knocking hard at the door a muffled bark was heard indicating the dog was shut away in another room. Stobbs wasn’t home but returned to the property shortly after our arrival.

“Stobbs freely admitted to having left Samson unattended for four days, blaming the weather conditions for preventing him from tending to his dog.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine.

“Samson was locked in the kitchen and the door was secured shut with a screwdriver jammed into the door surround which Stobbs used a hammer to remove.

“Samson was very friendly in nature and was delighted to see us. He was obviously underweight with his ribs and hips easily seen from a distance. His skin was very itchy and infected over his back with noticeable hair loss.

“Both eyes were leaking a yellow discharge and both inner ears appeared tender and infected. Samson’s claws were also very overgrown and were beginning to displace the alignment of his toes.

Fife animal abuser Michael Stobbs' filthy kitchen where he left a dog to starve for four days

“The kitchen was strewn with litter and hazardous items such as cutlery, potato peelings, old food containers, cans and mouldy milk cartons. There were faeces on the floor and up the kitchen units.

“There were no dog bowls, just empty plastic food containers. When given water, Samson drank thirstily. Stobbs also gave him a small amount of food which he ate ravenously. Even though he was so thirsty and hungry, Samson sat and waited until he was told to take it.

“We took Samson to be examined by a vet who found no underlying health problems that could explain his low body weight.

“During his ear examination, Samson howled in pain. The chronic eye infections will also have caused him considerable discomfort and irritation for a minimum of three to four weeks but likely much longer.

“Samson was then taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres to receive the care and veterinary treatment he needed.

“Despite numerous attempts to contact Stobbs to arrange an interview, we received no response nor has he contacted us to check how Samson is doing.

“Thankfully, Samson responded well to medication for his skin, eyes and ears, and he also gained weight. No special or veterinary diets were necessary to improve his body condition.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.

“We are disappointed that Stobbs only received a £400 fine this occasion as we do not feel this reflects the suffering caused to Samson.

“We hope he will be more conscientious in future about ensuring any animal he owns receives the appropriate care and veterinary treatment they require.”

Sentencing | fined £420.

Dunfermline Press
Scottish SPCA News

Cats, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Dunfermline, Fife: Gideon Stewart

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CONVICTED (2022) | Gideon Stewart, born 23 July 1997, most recently of Halkett Crescent, Dunfermline KY11 4PH – drop-kicked a nine-week-old kitten while in a drunken rage.

Animal abuser and woman beater Gideon Stewart from Dunfermline, Fife
Big hard man Gideon Stewart takes out his aggression on women and small animals

Gideon Stewart, who has at least one previous conviction for alcohol-related violence, became abusive to his then-partner and her friends at a house party in Dunfermline’s Bute Crescent.

He spat in her face and called her a “slag” when she told him to stop.

Stewart appeared in the dock from custody to admit the offending, which took place on December 14 2020.

Sheriff Charles Macnair told him he was lucky not to have killed the defenceless animal during the violent outburst.

Animal abuser and woman beater Gideon Stewart from Dunfermline, Fife

Procurator fiscal depute Laura McManus told the court Stewart was in his girlfriend’s home, where she was drinking with friends.

He began drinking alcohol and began acting aggressively as he “got drunker”.

At around 2am, he began to make sexually explicit abusive comments towards the group.

When his girlfriend asked him to stop, he spat in her face and verbally abused her.

Ms McManus continued: “The accused stated: ‘I’m going to smash all of you. You are all getting it’.

“He punched a wall and went into the hallway and picked up the complainer’s nine-week-old kitten and dropped it on his foot and kicked into the kitten.

Animal abuser and woman beater Gideon Stewart from Dunfermline, Fife

The fiscal depute said her friends described him as “drop-kicking the kitten.”

Stewart then punched a hole in a wall, threatened to “put his girlfriend through a window” and told her “she was nothing.”

Police were called to the scene and found Stewart hiding in bed.
He was arrested and handcuffed and taken to Dunfermline police station. When a constable tried to remove the cuffs, he spat on his arm.

Stewart pled guilty to kicking a kitten and causing it unnecessary suffering and assaulting his then-partner.

He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and assaulting a police officer.

Defence lawyer Brian Black said his client was “ashamed” and acknowledged anger management and alcohol have been problems for him.

Sheriff Charles Macnair told Stewart: “You kicked a defenceless animal and it was fortunate that animal seems to have survived the experience.”

Sentencing | 405 days in jail, backdated to January 27, 2022, when he was remanded in custody. He was also placed on a supervised release order for 200 days. A non-harassment order was also made to not contact the complainer in this case for 18 months.

Courier

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, deer, Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, Serial Animal Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Lochgelly, Fife: Martin Davidson

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CONVICTED (2020) | Martin Davidson, born 12/10/1995, of 23 Abbotsford Road, Lochore, Lochgelly KY5 8DT- trained four dogs to violently bait wild animals including badgers; failed to treat his dogs’ fighting injuries

Martin Davidson social media image
Martin Davidson

Davidson kept videos of his dogs viciously attacking foxes and sickeningly posed for pictures with the injured or dead animals.

The father-of-two trained his dogs for animal fighting including badger baiting.

Dog with horrific facial scarring
Davidson failed to take any of his dogs for veterinary treatment for their horrific facial injuries

He pleaded guilty to the charge along with failing to provide veterinary treatment to an injured dog in his care.

Davidson was investigated by the Scottish SPCA after the charity received intelligence about his behaviour.

Martin Davidson social media image
Doomed: Davidson with his offspring

Three of the dogs involved in the case were male, brindle coloured bull lurchers named Tramp, Mojo and Sid. The other was a female, white and tan, Staffordshire bull terrier named Lady.

The dogs were found injured as a result of the hunting and are now in the care of the SSPCA where they will be rehabilitated.

Shameless Davidson regularly uploads images of shocking animal cruelty to social media
Shameless Davidson regularly uploads images of shocking animal cruelty to social media

An SSPCA special investigations unit undercover inspector, who cannot be named, said: “We received intelligence that Davidson was keeping and training dogs for the purposes of animal fighting.

“We obtained a search warrant and gained entry to the home of Davidson where we found the four dogs.

One of the dogs rescued from a life of pain and misery at the hands of monstrous Martin Davidson
One of the dogs rescued from a life of pain and misery at the hands of monstrous Martin Davidson

“The Staffordshire bull terrier, Lady, was in the house. She had significant scarring to her muzzle and lower jaw. These injuries are consistent with animal fighting, in particular badger baiting.

“The three lurchers were found outdoors in a kennel and run in the rear garden, far too small for their size and breed. Two had obvious, fresh injuries to their ears and heads.

“We also found animal fighting paraphernalia at Davidson’s residence.

Social media post claiming it's
“It’s all lies!” Davidson’s foul-mouthed partner tries to convince people (maybe even herself) that he’s just misunderstood

“This included hunting gear, blood-stained wellies and a spot lamp commonly using for lamping with dogs, which is hunting at night.

“Multiple images were discovered of his dogs pictured with dead animals at night. Some featured the dogs viciously gripping foxes between their jaws.

“During interview, Davidson admitted that the four dogs were not registered with a vet and did not receive any medication or treatment to ease their suffering from any of the injuries they had sustained

“Other photos showed Lady, Tramp, Mojo and Sid in the back of Davidson’s vehicle at night with fresh injuries. Our expert vets determined these were consistent with animal fighting, specifically with badgers and foxes.

“The disregard that Davidson had for the welfare of the wild animals he forced his dogs to fight, and for his own dogs, is unfathomable. The dogs are in our care and are currently receiving the rehabilitation they need.”

Image shows Davidson's dog biting a fox
One of the many sickening images of animal cruelty found on Davidson’s phone

Sheriff Alastair Brown told Davidson: “You kept dogs for fighting and you kept them in conditions which were unsuitable to the extent that you weren’t meeting their needs properly.

“It’s been well known, because it gets publicity, that hunting with dogs, which appears to have been the reason for getting these dogs, is illegal.

“Beyond that, it’s perfectly clear to anyone with a grain of sense that there is substantial public disapproval of hunting with dogs, of dog fighting and failing to take care of dogs within your care.

“What you were doing was entirely unregulated – keeping dogs for fighting is reprehensible as well as criminal, and keeping animals in conditions in which there are harmed is deplorable.”

However, Sheriff Brown stopped short of a prison sentence after hearing Davidson previously served jail time for another matter, adding it was “regrettable” that this case had not been heard at the same time.

Horrific ear injury suffered by one of Davidson's dogs

Davidson’s lawyer Alexander Flett of Martin Johnston & Socha solicitors in Dunfermline said his client had been dealt a “harsh lesson”, alluding to the fact that his previous court appearance had sparked “unwelcome attention” from animal rights activists.

Sara Shaw, head of the wildlife and environmental crime unit said: “Dog fighting is a cruel illegal activity which causes terrible and unnecessary suffering to animals.

“I welcome today’s sentence and the granting of the order preventing Martin Davidson from keeping any animal for five years.

“COPFS will continue to work to ensure those who participate in this barbaric practice are prosecuted and would encourage anyone who may have information on dog fighting to contact the police or the Scottish SPCA.”

Sentencing: 160 hours of unpaid work. Banned from keeping dogs for five years (expires October 2025).

The Courier

Update 17/10/2020:

Davidson was back in the dock where he pleaded guilty to possessing two air weapons at his home without holding a certificate for them.

The air guns were found during a raid by the Scottish SPCA in September 2019.

Sheriff James MacDonald imposed a community payback order with 60 hours of unpaid work.

Dogs

Rosyth, Fife: Helen Burt

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CONVICTED (2020) | Helen Burt, born 04/01/1992, previously of Elder Place, Rosyth, and now Cairns Street East, Kirkcaldy KY1 – kept three Staffordshire bull terriers in squalid conditions

Convicted dog abuser Helen Burt from Rosyth, near Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, is banned from keeping animals for a mere five years.
Convicted dog abuser Helen Burt from Rosyth, near Dunfermline, Fife, is banned from keeping animals for a mere five years.

Burt let the dogs, Codi, Mali and Shakira, live in a filthy home surrounded by their own excrement and failed to take them outside to do the toilet.

At Dunfermline Sheriff Court she pled guilty to a charge under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, after failing to provide the dogs with a suitable environment or to meet their needs, between January 11 and 25, 2018.

Two of the three dogs rescued from Helen Burt's filthy home.
Two of the three dogs rescued from Helen Burt’s filthy home.

The charge detailed how her treatment of the dogs would have caused them psychological suffering and put them at risk of injury and disease.

They were exposed to urine, faeces and household debris including open tin cans and broken furniture.

Burt failed to provide adequate water and ventilation for the animals, left them in an unhygienic environment and failed to allow them to exhibit normal behaviour.

She also neglected to take the dogs outside to defecate or urinate.

Conditions in which Helen Burt kept three dogs
Conditions inside Burt’s house

Animal welfare charity Scottish SPCA investigated the case.

Scottish SPCA inspector Sarah Gregory said: “The living environment for these animals was cramped and filthy.

“The entire property was uninhabitable and appeared to have been used as a kennel rather than a home.

“The smell was an overwhelming stench of ammonia, dirt and faeces that made your eyes water. Faeces were trodden into the floor with fresh matter on top.

“There was litter and broken furniture throughout the property.”

Helen Burt kept two of the dogs inside this filthy cage with no bedding.
The female dogs were kept in this cage with no bedding.

She said the female dogs, Shakira and Mali, were found in a cage in the living room, with no bedding or resting area.

All of the dogs appeared in good body condition, despite the living environment and high risk of disease due to the contamination in the house.

“Not allowing the dogs adequate opportunities to toilet outside the house meant the dogs would be caused stress and potential mental suffering by having to toilet in the same area as they were confined to for sleeping and eating,” she added.

“Burt did not sign the dogs over into our care which meant that we’ve been caring for them for almost two years. As they are part of a case, we’ve been unable to rehome them until this conclusion. It has cost the society almost £30,000 to care for Codi, Mali and Shakira.

“We welcome the outcome of this case. It was clear that Burt was not able to provide these animals with even the most basic of care.”

Sentencing: community payback order with supervision and a requirement to do 100 hours of unpaid work within six months. Five-year ban on keeping dogs (expires January 2025).

Dunfermline Press

Animal Abandonment, Cats, Dogs, Multiple Species

Dunfermline, Fife: Natalie Page

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CONVICTED (2019) | Natalie Page, born c. 1973, of Pentland Terrace, Dunfermline KY11 4ES – kept two dogs and a cat in squalid conditions.

Convicted animal abuser Natalie Page from Dunfermline in Fife
Natalie Page is banned from keeping animal for 21 months after keeping her pets in deplorable conditions.

Natalie Page admitted failing to ensure the needs of her pet cat were met by exposing the animal to faeces, household debris and unhygienic conditions.

Depute fiscal Alistair McDermid said a SSPCA inspector had gone to Page’s home on June 1, 2018, and warned her about the living conditions for her animals.

The two dogs removed from convicted animal abuser Natalie Page from Dunfermline in Fife
The two dogs removed from Natalie Page’s filthy property in July 2018.

On July 19, there was a return visit and two dogs were removed from the house.

Then, on October 25, two police officers went to the house on an unrelated matter.

They were trying to trace the owner and went inside when they found the front door unlocked.

“There was a thoroughly unpleasant smell and there was rubbish piled high on the floor of every room. The officers believed it was not suitable for habitation by a human and that the conditions posed a health risk,” said the depute.

“An adult cat was in the living room and was eating mouldy food that had been discarded on the floor. The pieces of mouldy food had been there so long they had flies coming out of them.

“There were cat and dog faeces on the floor. The dog faeces appear to have been there for three months.

“Wires were exposed where rubble had come away from crumbling walls.”

The cat was taken away to a local vet where it was found to be in “reasonable health” but required urgent dental work.

When Page was cautioned and charged by police she said: “I’ll get it sorted.”

Animal abuser Natalie Page from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. Picture: Facebook

Defence solicitor Peter Robertson said his client was currently living with her mother while her property was having renovations carried out by the council “to make it habitable”.

Sheriff Charles MacNair told Page: “The photographs taken at the time show the deplorable state of your property. If you want to live like that, I can’t do anything about it but animals can’t speak up for themselves and need protection.”

Sentencing | fined £360; 21-month banning order preventing Page from owning, keeping or taking charge of animals (expired 2022).

Dunfermline Press

Dogs, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Dunfermline, Fife: Robert Goodwillie and Levi Bissett

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CONVICTED (2018) | Robert Goodwillie, born c. 1989, and partner Levi Chantelle Bissett (aka Levi Hamilton or Levi Mallett), born 26/05/1994, both of Broomhead Drive, Dunfermline KY12 9AG – for sadistic cruelty to a shih-tzu dog.

Paedophile Robert Goodwillie and partner Levi Bissett of Dunfermline abused a little dog named Suki
Paedophile Robert Goodwillie and partner Levi Bissett of Dunfermline abused a little dog named Suki (pictured).

Goodwillie and partner Bissett admitted that over a three-month period they caused Suki unnecessary suffering.

They failed to provide adequate veterinary treatment causing chronic skin condition, dry eye and overgrown claw issues resulting in complications with her health.

Paedophile Goodwillie, who has a previous conviction for the possession of child pornography, also admitted that at his home on April 10, 2018, he caused Suki unnecessary suffering by dragging and kicking her, launching her in the air, resulting in her landing on the ground with her legs splayed.

Convicted paedophile and dog abuser Robert Goodwillie from Dunfermline

Suki had to be euthanised because of her poor condition.

In court for sentencing neither Goodwillie nor Bissett were represented by a solicitor.

Twisted Robert Goodwillie and his partner Levi Bissett pictured outside court
Twisted Robert Goodwillie and his partner Levi Bissett pictured outside court

Asked by Sheriff Craig McSherry if they had anything to say about the offences, they both shook their heads.

Despite the despicable cruelty the pair had inflicted on a helpless dog, no ban on keeping animals was imposed by the court.

Sentencing | four-month restriction of liberty orders.

The Sun

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Torryburn, Dunfermline: Allison Girdwood

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CONVICTED (2018) | Allison Girdwood, born c. 1957, of Craigflower Gardens, Torryburn, Dunfermline KY12 8HF – left her dog to suffer for years with a chronic skin condition

Bracken was suffering from numerous ailments including skin conditions, overgrown nails, ear conditions, eye conditions, dental disease and a tumour.
Cocker spaniel Bracken was suffering from numerous ailments including skin conditions, overgrown nails, ear conditions, eye conditions, dental disease and a tumour.

Allison Girdwood pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide treatment to her cocker spaniel Bracken, who had several ailments. He was so poorly he had to be put to sleep.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Nicola Liddell said: “When I first entered the property there was a strong fungal smell which suggested Bracken had been suffering from his condition for a long time.

“I removed Bracken from the property and immediately sought veterinary advice. It was determined that he was suffering from a number of chronic dermatological conditions.

“It became apparent that Bracken hadn’t been seen by a vet since 2011 meaning that his various ailments had been unchecked for years.

“He had overgrown toenails, and inflamed paws meaning movement would have been arduous. He was also suffering from two masses, one of which was situated on his neck.

“Bracken was also suffering from severe dental disease, resulting in numerous teeth being missing, and ‘dry eye’ which would have severely limited his vision.”

She added: “Sadly, due to the extent of his condition, Bracken was put to sleep following veterinary advice.

“These conditions would have been easily maintained if regular veterinary checks had taken place. It’s clear that Bracken has been let down by Girdwood by her failure to take his needs into consideration.”

Sentencing | £400 fine. Banned from having pets for just three years (expired May 2021).

The Sun
Dunfermline Press

Dogs

Dunfermline: Mandy Hunter and Tony Paton

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CONVICTED (2017) | Amanda Hunter and Anthony Paton both of Macbeth Road, Dunfermline KY11 4EE – left their dog Rocco to suffer with multiple ailments including a hole on the side of his face caused by infection

Dog abusers Mandy Hunter and Tony Paton from Dunfermline
Mandy Hunter and Tony Paton left their dog Rocco to suffer in agony.

Hunter and Paton admitted causing their pet unnecessary suffering between July 15 and September 2, 2016.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf told the court the Scottish SPCA received a report about the condition of Rocco.

The dog was being neglected and had an ear infection which was not being treated, leading to the skin opening up so the jaw was visible.

Paton told them the dog had been taken to a vet at end August 2016. They had been told by the vet that the dog should be put down but this was not done.

“It had a gaping and weeping hole on the side of its face,” said the depute.

The dog was removed from the house and the pair were told they were going to be charged.

Rocco’s weight was 24.8 kg when it should have been 30 to 35 kg. He also had a flea infestation and was suffering from hair loss.

Rocco was euthanised because of his condition. The SSPCA had noted that there were other animals in the house including a dog, rabbits and frogs.

Sentence: not reported but a motion to ban the couple from keeping animals for two years was denied by the court after opposition from their solicitors.

The Courier

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

Dunfermline, Fife: Noel Taylor

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CONVICTED (2017) | Noel Taylor, born c. 1997, of Old Kirk Road, Dunfermline KY12 7SQ – kicked a hedgehog to death

Hedgehog killer Noel Taylor from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Unfortunately, twisted Noel Taylor was not banned from keeping animals

Noel Taylor inflicted so much injury on the hedgehog that when police found it, its internal organs were outside its body.

Taylor admitted that on August 28, 2016, at St Margaret Street, Dumfermline, he, whilst acting with others, repeatedly kicked the wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering contrary to the Mammals (Protection) Act 1996.

Depute Fiscal Azrah Yousaf said police were alerted at around 4am by CCTV operators who had spotted three males kicking a hedgehog down the street.

The men, including Taylor, denied the actions and the CCTV operators directed the police officers to where they believed the hedgehog was lying.

“On examination, it was clear it had suffered severe injuries and its internal organs were outside the body,” she told the court.

“CCTV clearly showed that following kicking the hedgehog off the street, all of them clear the remnants of the animal off their shoes.”

Taylor’s solicitor, Jonathan Matheson-Dear, said his client was intoxicated but this did not excuse his behaviour.

“He was out with friends and had been to a nightclub. He was very drunk and clearly it was an action of stupidity and bravado,” he said.

“On the way home, in high spirits, he decided to harm this animal. I don’t know if his kick was the one that killed it but he is responsible and is accepting full responsibility.

“He should not have behaved in the way he did and he is not seeking to minimise the seriousness of his conduct.

“It is unfortunate the others haven’t been brought to justice for this but it in no way minimises his responsibility. He now recognises that hedgehogs are an endangered species.”

Since the incident, Mr Mathieson-Dear said, Taylor had reduced his alcohol intake.

“He now seldom goes out drinking,” he added. “Alcohol is not something that mixes well with him.

“Hopefully, this is a one-off aberration on his part and he recognises he should not behave in this way in the future.”

Sheriff Richard McFarlane described Taylor’s conduct as “abhorrent” and said the explanation that alcohol was a “fuelling factor” was not an excuse.

“There are real concerns for the species of hedgehogs and indeed they are becoming endangered,” he told Taylor.

“The maximum penalty for a charge of this nature is a significant fine or six months’ imprisonment.

“The fact is this is your first, and I hope your last offence, and you are taking steps to address your alcohol intake. You have also kept yourself out of further trouble and you continue to hold down two jobs and you were not alone in this dreadful acts so I will deal with this by way of a fine.”

Sentencing: £300 fine.

Dunfermline Press