CONVICTED (2024) | Daryl Torrance, born 12 October 1989, of Sorn Street, Catrine, Mauchline – locked his dog inside a crate with “food out of reach and no water” for several days.
After receiving an anonymous complaint, Scottish SPCA officers who broke into Torrance’s home were met with “an overpowering stench of ammonia in the stairwell”.
The court heard that the officers discovered the dog “in an emaciated and collapsed state”.
The pet, a male brindle and white crossbreed, was locked in a crate lying on a blanket soaked in urine and covered in faeces.
In the opposite corner of the crate was a bowl of untouched dog food that he would have been “unable to reach” and no water.
The court heard that the dog was so weak he couldn’t lift his head and had to be euthanised due to extreme suffering.
A microchip revealed that Torrance – a self-employed painter and decorator – was the registered owner of the pet.
Alistair Duncan, assistant procurator fiscal for North Strathclyde, said: “This was an appalling example of animal cruelty. This poor dog was left abandoned for a significant period and suffered the terrible consequences of Daryl Torrance’s shocking neglect.
“The law protects animals from harm and COPFS will continue to work robustly to ensure anyone who breaks the law faces prosecutorial action.”
Sentencing | six months in prison. Banned from owning animals for ten years.
CONVICTED (2022) | Callum Muir, born 25 December 1996, of 17 Logangate Terrace, Logan, Cumnock KA18 3HD – forced his three dogs to fight badgers and foxes.
Muir, a father-of-one, was seen in videos encouraging his dogs to attack the wild animals as they screamed in pain.
He laughed as a fox’s skin was torn away and ripped in half by dogs, while two of his pets attacked a fox as another man stamped on its head.
The Scottish SPCA called it one of the worst cases inspectors had ever seen.
“The complete disregard for the wellbeing of the dogs and wild animals in the videos is appalling,” said one of the charity’s inspectors after Muir was sentenced at Ayr Sheriff Court.
Muir also failed to seek veterinary treatment for any of the injuries his three dogs – terrier Pip, lurcher Bella and bull lurcher Mig – sustained as a result of the fights.
The organisation said it was disappointed Muir had not received a longer jail term given new legislation means offenders can be sentenced to up to five years for animal welfare crimes.
All three dogs were signed over to the care of the Scottish SPCA and have since found new homes.
The SSPCA’s special investigations unit (SIU) seized three dogs with “significant” injuries at Muir’s home in Logangate Terrace in May 2021 after a tip-off he may have been using them in animal fights.
They also found evidence he was self-treating the dogs’ injuries to avoid authorities being alerted.
Pip and Bella, the two older dogs, had injuries across their faces, necks and legs.
“Both dogs had several missing teeth as a result of the fights they’d been in, and the lack of appropriate veterinary treatment would have made the suffering even worse,” the inspector, who has to remain anonymous, said.
“Mig had some scarring to her muzzle and legs but as she was a much larger, stronger and younger dog it’s likely she’d have been able to avoid serious injury up to this point.”
Investigators also found several items associated with animal fighting including locator collars, which are used to track dogs when they are underground in badger setts.
Officers also discovered nets for catching wild animals when they bolt from their dens. Fox and badger DNA was found after the evidence was analysed.
A number of video clips and images were also recovered showing dogs, including Muir’s own pets, fighting wild animals.
“In my line of work you see a lot of stomach churning examples of animal cruelty, but the videos and images relating to this case are among the worst I’ve ever seen,” the inspector added.
“Given the sheer level of suffering endured by Muir’s dogs, countless wild animals and the depravity of the videos and images he owned, we are disappointed he has not received a longer jail sentence.”
The League Against Cruel Sports also worked closely with the SSPCA throughout the investigation.
Robbie Marsland, director of LACS Scotland, said the organisation was “pleased to have played a part in bringing Callum Muir, a horrific animal abuser to justice”.
He also commended the SSPCA for “such a comprehensive investigation which was absolutely critical in bringing about today’s result”.
CONVICTED (2021) | former breeder Kenneth Joseph Martin, born 15 March 1967, previously of Muirkirk Road, Cumnock and as of August 2021 of John Weir Avenue, Cumnock KA18 1NJ – abandoned a property, leaving three dogs behind to starve.
Former breeder Kenny Martin starved his dogs so badly that one died and was eaten as she lay dead in a garden. He neglected his two Dogue de Bordeaux breeds and a Japanese Akita over several weeks.
The court heard that a Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) investigator found the property covered in dog mess. The animals were so thin and dehydrated that they would have died had the charity not arrived when it did.
The details of the horror discovery emerged when Martin, who previously pleaded guilty to three animal welfare charges, returned to the dock to be sentenced.
Prosecutor Rosalind Walsh told the court that the SSPCA had been called due to a report of “a dead dog being seen in the garden”.
She said: “There was a deceased female Dogue de Bordeaux which appeared to have been partly eaten.
“There was an emaciated dog of the same breed.
“Once inside the property, investigators found a third dog, a female Japanese Akita, which was also in an emaciated state.”
The animals were examined by a vet who found they had “no body fat reserves”, were “severely dehydrated” and had “muscle wastage”.
The living Dogue de Bordeaux had “infected sores on its body, possibly producing a rotting smell”, while the Akita was displaying signs of “repetitive behaviour” – an indication it was suffering from “ammonia inhalation or confinement stress”.
Walsh added: “They endured unnecessary suffering and were at risk of dying if not for the intervention of the SSPCA.”
Martin was not at the property but investigators located his sister, who told them he had abandoned the address.
Solicitor Tony Curry said Martin had raised the animals, who have since been rehomed, from pups.
But he said his client had endured “a personal crisis” which led to “a rapid decline”.
He added: “He was not looking after himself and was in absolutely no condition to be looking after animals.”
Sheriff Colin Pettigrew said it was “a fairly sad and sorry story” which had come about due to Martin’s “personal difficulties – health and otherwise”.
Sentencing: fined £2,075. Banned from keeping dogs for life.
CONVICTED (2021) | William ‘Billy’ Kiltie, born 27 November 1959, previously of Colchester, Essex, but now of Northcraig Road, Kilmarnock – killed the family dog after she “made a mess”
William Kiltie killed Yorkie cross Jessie after she “made a mess”
William Kiltie admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by inflicting blunt force trauma on Yorkshire terrier cross Jessie in February 2020.
Police were called to Newcastle Avenue, Colchester, to reports a family’s pet dog had been killed.
The court heard Kiltie’s then partner and their 11-year-old daughter were present when officers arrived.
Lauren Bond, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said: “They were very upset and the daughter said the dog had been killed by her father, but she didn’t see what happened.
“She said she was in the living room, her father and the dog were in the kitchen and she said the dog ‘sort of slid across the floor.'”
Police searched the area and found Kiltie in Maldon Road.
The court heard when he was arrested, police struggled to make out what he was saying.
Miss Bond said: “Mr Kiltie said the dog made a mess in the kitchen and he might have got ‘aggy ‘, but it was unclear what he was saying because he’s got a very strong Scottish accent.
“He was arrested, and I understand he was en-route to the police station to hand himself in at this point.”
A police inspector visited the family home and found the dog lying dead in an upstairs bedroom.
An X-ray showed she had suffered a fractured skull and a haemorrhage, while a post-mortem examination established she had died from a brain injury caused by blunt force trauma.
Kiltie admitted throwing a broom into the dining room, but said he hadn’t intended to hit the dog.
Miss Bond said: “There were no witnesses specifically to what happened and the basis of plea is not disputed.”
Kiltie, who also has links to Hackney, East London, has since moved from Colchester to his current address in Northcraig Road, Kilmarnock.
Sentencing: 100 hours of unpaid work; 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement; £390 in court costs. Banned from owning dogs for just three years (expires February 2024).
CONVICTED (2019) | Elisabeth Steel, born c. 1975, of Methven Avenue, Kilmarnock KA1 – gagged her pet with duct tape to go on holiday for the weekend
Elisabeth Steel outside court
Elizabeth Steel abandoned collie cross Rio without adequate food or water after covering his face with a taped-on muzzle so he could not bark.
Steel’s neighbours alerted police after hearing the animal whimpering and spotting him through a window. Officers forced entry and found the dog barely moving and in very poor condition. He was infested with fleas, suffering from sores and an untreated skin infection.
Callous Elisabeth Steel left her ailing collie cross Rio with his muzzle taped up and with no food or water for two days.
Steel admitted causing unnecessary suffering by taping a muzzle to the dog’s face, denying him food, water or a means of escape, and failing to provide adequate care and treatment between 18 and 19 July, 2019.
Blaire Ford, prosecuting, said an upstairs neighbour could hear whimpering below and knew Steel had left the day before for a weekend away.
Miss Ford added: “He looked through the kitchen window and observed the dog locked within the kitchen with a muzzle on, which was wrapped with black tape, and noted that there was no food or water.”
The man called the Scottish SPCA, which was unable to respond initially, before contacting police the following day. Officers broke in using a battering ram after seeing Rio lying motionless.
Miss Ford said: “The dog was alive and had begun to move around and police noted there was no food or water in the dog bowls.
“The dog was wearing a muzzle wrapped in black tape and had a collar on which was too tight.”
Rio was taken to a vet for treatment, found temporary refuge and has since been re-homed.
Sheriff Watson told Steel: “On reading the terms of the report I am persuaded you are a foolish person who has behaved disgracefully towards the animal, but not with a cruel intention.
“You are clearly not a suitable person to own or have charge of an animal for the long-term.
“You and animals will not be coming close for the near future.”
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Whilst we always look for a lifetime ban on keeping animals in cases of neglect like this, we are pleased the accused has received a 15-year ban.
“We hope Steel will seriously consider her ability to care for any other pets in the future.”
Sentencing: 80-day tagging order; 18-month supervision order. 15-year ban on keeping animals.
#MostEvil | serial domestic abuser John Robertson, born 17/12/1977, of Main Street, Auchinleck KA18 2AF – battered a bulldog to death with a rolling pin
British Bulldog Gus (pictured) was bludgeoned to death by John Robertson, apparently to “teach him a lesson”
Former prison officer John Robertson was jailed for 18 months for a horrific eight-year campaign of domestic violence against his partner, their children and finally the family’s pet bulldog, whom he battered to death with a rolling pin.
One victim described how “manipulative and controlling” Robertson attacked the dog, known as Gus, as he ran into the room and then laughed and joked about what he had done.
They said: “There was blood all over the walls and kids were screaming. He was out of control. How could you kill an innocent animal?”
Robertson was found guilty of seven assault charges including causing unnecessary suffering to the dog in 2016.
He admitted slapping child victims on the head, pinning them to walls and punching them on the body. One boy was grabbed by the body and had his head struck against a door.
Robertson also hit a one-year-old girl and floored her, and flung a child through the air.
No ban on keeping animals was imposed by the court.
The Scottish Sun reported that Robertson has been freed from jail early after serving half of his sentence. The article confirmed that Robertson had not been banned from keeping animals and was now living with a woman, her children and two dogs.
Additional Information
Following his latest stint in jail, Robertson was immediately taken on by Alloway property maintenance and ‘pest control’ firm Acatch. The company, which sends employees into vulnerable customers’ homes, is owned by a relative of Robertson – a man who has allegedly had his own run-ins with the law (shhhh ….. drugs). They are therefore well aware of his violent past. We contacted Acatch asking for a statement but they have failed to respond.
John Robertson is engaged to a woman who stood by him despite his history of violent criminality, animal cruelty and domestic abuse
Robertson’s former partner, who was forced to moved away from Auchinleck, is now living in state of constant fear in a property since the court placed no restrictions on him contacting her and their terrorised kids.
CONVICTED (2018) | Thomas Raymond McKnight, born 1 August 1965, of St Andrews Walk, Kilmarnock KA1 3HQ – failed to take dog that had been mysteriously injured by boiling water to the vet for five days
The court heard how, on July 16, 2018, McKnight called the Scottish SPCA helpline to request assistance.
He told operators he had spilled boiling water on Springer spaniel Bobby five days earlier, and – because he couldn’t afford vet fees – he had tried to treat the dog’s wounds at home.
He also told the call handler Bobby’s situation was “getting worse” as the wounds had blistered and become infected, with the dog said to be “in pain”.
McKnight was looking for the SSPCA to treat the dog and said he would give up ownership of Bobby.
The SSPCA inspector visited McKnight’s home later that afternoon where he found the dog to be “subdued, weak and lethargic.”
Bobby had bandages covering his torso and most of his back. The inspector tried to remove the bandages to see the wound, but was only able to remove one as the other was stuck to the dog’s skin and this was causing him pain.
Bobby was taken to a local vet where he was given pain relief, general anaesthetic and antibiotics.
It was stated that the wounds would likely take “some time” to heal.
It was the SSPCA inspector’s view that the dog was subject of “unnecessary suffering” and McKnight was cautioned and charged.
Defending, Gillian Swanney told how the dog had now been treated, made a full recovery and been re-homed.
Ms Swanney told how McKnight had been cooking in the kitchen on the day of the incident, and the dog came in and “startled” him whilst he had the kettle in his hand.
She added, McKnight immediately took the dog outside and poured water over him. He then bought bandages and antiseptic powder to try to treat the dog’s wounds.
However, over the days, the condition deteriorated.
Swanney confirmed McKnight had “no intention to get another dog.”
Sheriff Michael Hanlon said: “I’ll take into account that this incident began by an accident.”
Sentencing: fined £300 to be paid at £10 per fortnight. Banned from owning any animal for three years (expired November 2021)
CONVICTED (2018) | vet John Hendrie Smith, born 20/05/1929 (since deceased), of Galston, East Ayrshire KA4 – left 200 dogs howling in agony as they died from an outdated euthanasia injection to the heart
Terminally ill German Shepherd Bounce howled in agony for several minutes after being given a lethal injection by disgraced vet John Hendrie Smith from Galston
Galston vet Hendrie Smith was struck off after admitting putting over 200 dogs to sleep using an outdated technique.
He was found guilty of a number of charges relating to clinical and communication failings against him at a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) disciplinary committee hearing.
He was removed from their register.
Hendrie Smith, who had been a vet for nearly 65 years, was investigated after an owner complained. Shockingly, he was found to have used the controversial technique on hundreds of helpless animals at the Valley Veterinary Centre in Galston, Ayrshire.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) were made aware of his technique when a dog owner complained to them after the vet had euthanised his dog.
Darren Stevenson said Bounce, his German Shepherd, had “screamed in agony” for minutes after the injection before dying.
When the RCVS investigated his complaint it found that Hendrie Smith, who qualified in 1953, had used the technique for years on more than 200 dogs.
The vet admitted than many animals wailed in agony before dying
Reports from the disciplinary enquiry record that Darren approached the vet for help with his terminally ill German Shepherd Bounce.
However when Hendrie Smith made a house call he had failed to bring a muzzle for the dog and instead tried to wrap a belt around Bounce’s mouth.
The vet also had to borrow some pliers from Darren to fix a syringe.
The needle was then inserted through the lung wall, a process likely to cause intense pain because of its dense nerve network.
Stevenson’s partner at the time Rachael McRoberts heard the dog scream.
She told the Times: “It was horrible. The dog was wailing for what seemed like ages.
“I’ve never heard a dog make a noise like that.”
The case raises questions over how the RCVS regulates vets and why an ageing practitioner, who qualified so long ago, had not been subject to checks and revalidation.
Under rules introduced about five years ago vets must do at least 35 hours a year of “professional development”, but this can range from formal courses to reading journals or “reflecting” on cases.
The RCVS advises vets: “It’s up to you to decide how best to fulfil your own learning needs” and says records need not be updated annually and are unlikely to be inspected.
CONVICTED (2018) | breeder Elaine Erskine, born 13/02/1960, formerly of East Lodge, Craufurdland, Kilmarnock KA3, but now apparently living in a caravan in Fenwick Road, Stewarton, East Ayrshire – lived in a faeces-infested house with 27 dogs, some of whom were “on the brink of death”.
Erskine lived in squalor with 27 dogs in conditions so bad that three of the animals had to be put down.
Images taken at the scene of horror showed two German Shepherds lying in their own filth in a bungalow where Elaine Erskine kept 27 dogs in shocking squalor. The German Shepherds, named Arti and Rosie, were covered in open sores and too weak to lift their heads off the floor.
One was put to sleep on the spot and the other was euthanised later along with a Jack Russell found at the house wounded and in distress.
Other photos show cages where dogs were locked up and rooms buried under rubbish and faeces.
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard how Scottish SPCA sinspectors found animals emaciated and “on the brink of death” when they went to Erskine’s house, after a tip-off about animal neglect.
They got no answer when they arrived. But when they went round the back they found makeshift kennels that housed ten Jack Russells and a squalid, empty outhouse.
The inspectors peered inside the property through patio doors and spotted two German Shepherd dogs and one Jack Russell standing inside a “filthy” kitchen.
When they looked in other windows they spotted three more Jack Russells in an empty room with dog dirt covering the floor.
The inspectors feared the animals were at great risk of suffering and left a card asking the owner to contact them immediately.
When they got no response they returned the next day with a vet and armed with a warrant to get into the property.
As they opened the front door they were immediately hit by a foul stench of urine and faeces.
It was so strong that one inspector had to go out for fresh air and to clear her stinging eyes.
Once inside the house, the team moved from one squalid room to the next — finding more and more neglected dogs badly malnourished, emaciated and covered in their own muck.
They could hardly get into the kitchen because of a mountain of rubbish behind the door.
When they finally got in they discovered the two German Shepherds and four Jack Russells.
The court heard the dogs were in a pitiful state, with one so poorly that they had to be put down on the spot.
And prosecutors said when Erskine arrived at the scene she tried to stop inspectors looking for more dogs.
Fiscal Jennifer Harkins told the court: “In the kitchen there were two adult German Shepherds and a small Pomeranian.
“They were unable to lift their heads and had open sores. At this point the police arrived.
“The accused was spoken to by inspectors but she blocked access to stop them examining the two German Shepherds.
“She stated that she was so ashamed and that she ‘knew that the dogs would need to be put to sleep as they were in a bad way’.
“One of the two German Shepherds was immediately euthanised and the accused became upset.”
Ms Harkins said of the further searches on March 28, 2018: “The main bedroom was the last room to be entered and had two Jack Russells within a cage and a further two pups in another cage.
“A Pomeranian with three small pups was also in a cage.”
The prosecutor went on to talk about another dog that was found to be suffering from a leg fracture and skin ulcers.
She added: “There was another Jack Russell wedged between the cages.
“This dog had extremely bad wounds to both back legs and the bones were clearly visible.
“It was in a great deal of distress and emaciated and was immediately removed from the property.”
Erskine’s defence lawyer Douglas Macphee told the court his client had been living in the same conditions as the animals.
He said: “She accepts full responsibility for these matters. She is very ashamed. She found herself in a position where she struggled to cope and then she couldn’t cope.
“She continued to live in the property notwithstanding the conditions.”
Erskine admitted failing to give the dogs food, water and bedding between December 2017 and March 2018.
Sentencing Erskine to 14 weeks in prison [overturned on 05/12/18], Sheriff Michael Hanlon told her: “This was as bad an example as I’ve ever come across.”
But Erskine’s lawyer appealed against the decision, arguing there were alternatives to custody as a punishment.
Erskine was freed pending the result of that appeal which was ultimately successful.
Sentencing: Jailed for 14 weeks (later overturned on appeal). 200 hours of community service. Banned for life from keeping animals.
#MostEvil | Zara Brown (aka Zara Prentice or Zara Rooney), born 06/01/1988, of New Cottages, Patna, Ayr KA6 7JF – for appalling acts of cruelty and neglect towards homeless pets at her rehoming charity, Ayrshire Ark
Former animal sanctuary owner Zara Brown is responsible for the death of 15 dogs and a cat and the immense suffering of countless others. Photo shows two of her victims: Bruce and Ozzy
Pet rescue owner Zara Brown failed to give dogs in her care adequate food and water and she abandoned them in a filthy derelict primary school with no lights.
Some of the animals were left to die in the building and she stored several of the carcasses in a chest freezer.
Scottish SPCA inspectors were met with a scene of unimaginable horror at the Ayrshire Ark animal sanctuary
In all, authorities found 16 dead pets – 15 dogs and one cat – and many more with untreated conditions including a broken bone, arthritis, ear and paw infections, pressure sores and ulcers.
Several dogs believed to be in the care of the Ayrshire Ark remain unaccounted for to this day with Brown refusing to reveal their fates to their distraught former owners.
This photo montage was originally published by the now defunct Pet Abuse UK FB page. We understand that some of these dogs have turned up safe and well, including Chief who was rehomed by the Scottish SPCA. The fate of many other dogs unfortunate enough to pass through Zara Brown’s so-called sanctuary remains unknown, however.
In August 2017 mother-of-four Brown appeared in the dock at Ayr Sheriff Court.
Depute fiscal Jason Bell told the court how a Scottish SPCA inspector discovered a scene of horror at the Ayrshire Ark shelter, including a stash of seven dogs and a cat in a freezer, some of whom were badly mutilated.
The charity visited the sanctuary, housed in a derelict schoolhouse in Patna, after receiving reports that a Presa Canario cross named Ozzy was lying dead on the floor.
Presa canario cross Ozzy
Mr Bell revealed the Scottish SPCA inspector and police had to wait four hours to gain access because Brown wasn’t there and partner Gary Rooney, who part-owns the building, claimed not to have keys.
During the delay, the welfare team peered through a window and saw dead Ozzy slumped on the floor and other dogs in bad health. One very thin dog appeared to be standing in her own filth, without food or water, in a cloakroom.
The depute fiscal went on: “They could see two large bulldog-type dogs clambering over rubbish and debris — they appeared to be running freely in the corridor and in poor condition.
“They also noticed a large dog within one of the former classrooms that appeared lifeless. It was very underweight.
“They tried to rouse it by banging on the window and it appeared the dog was clearly dead.”
Brown finally appeared from the back of the former school at around 11pm and let the authorities inside.
The court heard the “overpowering” stench of faeces and urine made them gag as they made their way through the unlit building, where they stumbled across an animal in a cage.
Mr Bell said: “They noticed the bulldog-type dogs which had been viewed earlier in the corridor appeared to have been secured in a classroom before entry had been gained by the witnesses.
“They located a chest freezer and within were seven dead dog carcasses and a dead cat.”
The mercy crew searched for the lifeless dog they’d spotted through a window — but it had vanished.
Mr Bell said: “There were visible drag marks indicating it had been moved.”
Two more underweight dogs were in a classroom, while a third dog was found “weak and struggling to stand” in a toilet area, despite having access to food and water.
Mr Bell said: “They entered a further room and found a dead dog behind the door. Zara Brown stated she knew this dog as Bruce.
One of Zara Brown’s victims, English bull terrier Bruce
“The inspector formed the opinion the dogs were suffering. They had poor body condition, bones clearly visible. Their living conditions were woefully inadequate with regards to cleanliness.”
Nine dogs were signed over to the Scottish SPCA by Brown and taken to their vet in Glasgow.
They were found to be malnourished with a range of health issues. Bulldog Primo — who also had inflammation of the ears and feet — had to be put to sleep.
The court heard welfare chiefs attempted to interview Brown on December 29, 2017, but she failed to show.
Brown, who also has a conviction for VAT fraud, admitted nine charges of failing to properly feed dogs in her care or treat their health problems, leaving them suffering malnutrition, weight loss, lameness, infections and ulcers.
Defence lawyer Euan Cameron had pleaded for Brown to dodge jail for the sake of her four kids, but Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart told her: “Such is the gravity of the offences, only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”
After the sentencing, Scottish SPCA inspector Leanne McPake said: “This case was particularly harrowing and will stay with us for a long time.”
As at late 2018 Brown is believed to be living in Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway DG7.
Sentencing: Seven months in jail. Banned for life from keeping animals
