Tag Archives: Falkirk

Denny, Falkirk: Jackson Aitken

CONVICTED (2023) | Jackson Lewis Aitken, born c. 2000, of 210 Braes View, Denny, Falkirk FK6 5NF: for the neglect of multiple animals found suffering and in pain at his filthy home.

Animal abuser Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook
Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, was already well-known to the SSPCA

Aitken plead guilty to cruelty charges in relation to mice, a hamster, a rabbit and a dog.

He admitted failing to provide vet treatment for a mouse named Miko and failing to provide adequate hydration and a clean environment for a hamster named Spirit, a rabbit, a number of mice and his dog, Digger. He also pleaded guilty to failing to allow Digger adequate room to exercise.

Digger was neglected by Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook
Aitken’s dog Digger was kept in a tiny cage with dirty water for drinking

Scottish SPCA inspector, Andrew Gray, said, “We had attended Jackson Aitken’s address on two prior occasions in June 2019 and January 2022.

On both occasions we provided Aitken with advice and support on how to care for his animals but had no immediate concerns for their welfare.

“However, on 29 July 2022 we then received another call regarding Jackson Aitken from a member of the public who was concerned his animals were being left alone for days at a time.

“We attended the property but no one was home and we could not hear or see any animals. We continued to try to make contact with Aitken over the coming days but we were unsuccessful.

Animal abuser Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook

“On 1 August when we attended a small black dog could be seen through the letterbox. The dog was in a crate. On subsequent visits on 2 and 3 August the dog was still in the crate and we became concerned for the animal’s welfare. Contact was then made with the local housing officer to gain access to the premises.

“On entering the property we found it was cluttered with rubbish and hazardous materials. Digger, a small black and white terrier type dog, was still in the small cage. He had a pillow and a small amount of dirty water.

“Upstairs we found a white and tan hamster, named Sprit, who was very lethargic and cold to the touch, as well as a rabbit and three mice. While two of the mice were in reasonable condition, one male mouse, named Miko, had a large open wound on his side.

“All of the cages for the animals were dirty and none of them had been provided with any food or water.

“Due to immediate concerns for the welfare of the animals, we removed them from the property and took them to be examined by a vet.

“The wound on Miko’s side was found to be an abscess, secondary to a ruptured tumour, and had likely been causing the mouse pain for several weeks, if not months. He was euthanised on veterinary advice to prevent any further suffering.

Animal abuser Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook

“Spirit the hamster was severely dehydrated, which the vet estimated would have taken at least a week without water, if not longer. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the team at our animal rescue and rehoming centre, Spirit continued to suffer complications from dehydration and had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice.

“Aitken met with us on one subsequent visit to the property but all further attempts to contact him have failed to be met with any response.

“We are glad Aitken received a ban and hope he will seriously consider his ability to care for any animal in future.”

Sentencing | three-year supervision order and eight-month restriction of liberty order; 15-year ban on owning animals.

Scottish SPCA News

Denny, Falkirk: Keir Carr

CONVICTED (2023) | Keir Peter Carr, born 25 September 1994, of 13 Northfield Road, Denny, Falkirk FK6 6LA – failed to seek veterinary treatment for his emaciated dog until he was too unwell to be saved.

Dog killer Keir Carr from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland
Father-of-three Keir Carr, who also indulges in bloodsports, allowed his loyal dog to starve to death

Carr, owner of Cushty Carpets based at the Lecropt Business Hub, Crownest Loan, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk, FK5 3BUS pleaded guilty to causing four-year-old springer spaniel Trigger unnecessary suffering, failing to seek veterinary advice and failing to provide appropriate care and treatment between January 29 and February 19, 2021.

Amy Sneddon, procurator fiscal depute, said: “The Scottish SPCA received a phone call from a vet who worked at Champion Vets in Grangemouth about concern for a dog [who was] in an extremely emaciated condition which resulted in it having to be destroyed.”

Dog killer Keir Carr from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland
Trigger pictured with Keir Carr

The Scottish SPCA attended at the vets to examine Trigger’s body and found he only weighed 12.9kg when he should have been around 20kg.

The dog was rated one out of nine – with one being the worst figure on the body condition scale.

“Further investigations were carried out,” said the procurator fiscal depute. “And the accused was found to be the owner of the dog. Police then became involved.”

The court heard Carr claimed Trigger had “difficulty with keeping food down” but accepted he should have sought assistance much earlier than he did for the dog.

Sentencing | fined £340. Banned from owning any animals for five years (expires April 2028).

Falkirk Herald

Menstrie, Clackmannanshire: Mikey Nesbitt and Rebecca Ward

#MostEvil | repeat offender Michael Philip Nesbitt, born c. 1989, and Rebecca Ward, born c. 1996, of 9 Main Street East, Menstrie FK11 7BH – showed total disregard for the well-being of a dog found almost starved to death at their home.

Rebecca Ward and partner Mikey Nesbitt failed to care for their helpless pet dog. Nesbitt is pictured during a court appearance in 2008 when he was convicted of cruelty to 3 puppies found starved to death at his then home in the Wester Hailes area of Edinburgh.

Career criminal Nesbitt, who has a previous conviction for dog cruelty, and his partner Ward neglected their pet dog, Zeg, so badly over a 10-month period he lost fur and developed sores on his body.

The couple, who have a young baby, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Zeg at an address in McLachlan Street, Stenhousemuir, Larbert, between June 11, 2020 and April 24, 2021.

The charges stated they failed to provide him with appropriate care or adequate nutrition until the point he became emaciated and developed multiple pressure sores, hair loss and chronic skin damage to his tail.

The court heard that given proper care Zeg had recovered from his ordeal.

Mikey Nesbitt

Following the conclusion of the case, Scottish SPCA inspector, Andrew Gray, said, “On April 12, 2021, we responded to a concern for a dog that was described as extremely thin with protruding bones.

“We attempted to visit and call a few times but were unable to reach the owners. However, I could see a dog in a cage through the kitchen window. Only the dog’s head was visible and I couldn’t determine body condition or if provisions were available for the dog.

“On April 24, 2021, we visited the property again and were met by Ward. A dog matching the description we’d received appeared at the door in a very thin state with staining on his legs and underside.

“We took Zeg, a five to six-year old white and brindle Staffordshire bull terrier, to be examined by a vet.

“The vet found Zeg to be significantly underweight at just 19.8kg. A healthy weight for this size and breed of dog is 25 to 30kg. Zeg was also suffering from chronic muscle wastage over his head, legs and body.

“His ribs were clearly visible through his skin and he had pressure sores over his joints. These lesions were thickened which suggest laying on hard surfaces for long periods of time.

“The hair loss and skin damage on his tail indicated long-term caging in a small environment. There were pressure sores which were close to ulcerating over his pelvic area due to lack of muscle and fat coverage to protect the skin.

“When Zeg was fed, he ate ravenously with no difficulty swallowing. The vet concluded that there was no clinical reason to explain why Zeg was so underweight. Sadly, his condition suggests months of chronic malnutrition and inappropriate housing which caused him unnecessary suffering.

“Neither Nesbitt nor Ward have responded to repeated attempts to contact them. In the year that Zeg has been in our care they have also never enquired about how he is doing.

“We’re glad that Zeg is out of the situation that caused him so much suffering and we’re pleased that Nesbitt and Ward have been given lengthy bans on owning animals. Their sentencing means that Zeg can now start looking for his forever home.”

Sentencing |
Nesbitt: 12-month community payback order with 200 hours of unpaid work. 10-year ban.

Ward: ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work within 12 months. Banned from owning an animal for five years.

Falkirk Herald
Falkirk Herald


Additional Information

In 2008 Nesbitt, who’s originally from Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, was fined £150 and given a five-year ban after starving three puppies to death and dumping their bodies in a shoebox.

The court heard how officers from the Scottish SPCA had visited Nesbitt after a neighbour reported him walking a thin dog.

They found that the bitch, who had just given birth, was significantly underweight and told Nesbitt to make sure he fed her more.

But less than a month later, another call was made from a concerned neighbour over a foul smell coming from Nesbitt’s flat.

When officers entered the Clovenstone Gardens home, they found four puppies and their mother locked in a cage surrounded by their own mess.

They also discovered that three other pups had died and their bodies were lying in a shoebox in the hallway.

Officers immediately took the mother and her surviving puppies into care. As they drove away with the animals, Nesbitt threatened to kill himself.

Defence solicitor Victoria Good, for Nesbitt, said her client had been “deeply distressed” about what had happened.

She said Nesbitt, who admitted neglecting the animals, had been unable to care for the dogs after suffering from severe depression when his relationship broke down.

Ms Good added: “He and his girlfriend bought the dogs together, when she left she took one of the dogs and he gave up.

“He knew they were there and he had to take care of them but he just couldn’t get up out of bed. He is deeply distressed about what happened to the dogs.”

Deadline News

Denny, Falkirk: Daniel McPhillips

CONVICTED (2019) | Daniel McPhillips, born 1 November 1993, of Beech Crescent, Denny FK6 6LL – strangled a King Charles spaniel, bound his head, neck, throat and legs with his lead and dumped him in the canal to drown.

Dog killer: Daniel McPhillips from Denny, near Falkirk in Scotland
Repugnant drug addict and dog killer Daniel McPhillips from Denny, near Falkirk in Scotland was sentenced to the maximum six months in jail and banned from keeping animals for five years.

Daniel McPhillips was given £20 to deliver a spaniel named Alfie to a vet to be rehomed. Instead, in an act of shocking callousness, McPhillips strangled Alfie and dumped his body in the Forth & Clyde Canal with his lead wrapped around his legs.

King Charles spaniel Alfie suffered a horrific death at the hands of vile Daniel McPhillips

The heroin addict then lied to the dog’s original owner, Tammy-Lynn Burgoyne, stating by text he had taken the dog to the vet so he could be re-homed. Ms Burgoyne later discovered the truth after Alfie’s body was discovered in the canal and reported the matter to the Scottish SPCA.

McPhillips appeared from custody at Falkirk Sheriff Court having been arrested for his non-appearance on an earlier date. He denied asphyxiating the dog and dumping him in the canal in September 2018.

A Scottish SPCA investigator told the court that McPhillips had avoided her telephone calls and appeared reluctant to meet with her.

Dog killer: Daniel McPhillips from Denny, near Falkirk in Scotland
Loser McPhillips lied through his teeth in court but was found guilty. He will be sentenced on 18 December

An associate of McPhillips then gave evidence, stating McPhillips had actually admitted to him he had killed the dog, telling him “I didn’t ken what else to do with it.”

Giving evidence himself, McPhillips stated Alfie had escaped while he was walking with him in the woods and he could not get him back. He said he texted Ms Burgoyne and lied, telling her he had safely delivered the animal to the vets.

After considering all the evidence, Sheriff Christopher Shead found McPhillips guilty and told him a prison sentence was a real possibility.

Dog killer: Daniel McPhillips from Denny, near Falkirk in Scotland

When McPhillips re-appeared in court for sentencing, his solicitor, Mark Fallon said his client now “regrets the harm he caused”.

Mr Fallon added: “He is addicted to crack cocaine, and the offence was committed having taken heroin and Valium.”

Sheriff Christopher Shead said it was a “grave contravention” of animal cruelty laws.

Imposing the six-month jail term he added: “The repugnant nature of this offence is such that a custodial sentence is the only appropriate disposal.”

McPhillips showed no emotion as he was led to the cells.

Evil dog killer Daniel McPhillips from Denny, Scotland

Commenting on the case, a Scottish SPCA undercover SIU officer said: “This is a truly shocking case of animal cruelty. Rather than taking Alfie to the vet, McPhillips instead decided to kill him and pocket the cash.”

“Numerous people contacted our animal helpline to identify McPhillips as the perpetrator when Alfie was discovered in October 2018 and two witnesses told us he’d openly admitted to the crime.

“McPhillips ignored our repeated attempts to engage with him and he failed to turn up for two trial dates, which meant warrants were issued for his arrest.”

The SIU officer added: “It is hard to comprehend how tragic Alfie’s death was. As well as the trauma to his neck, he also had injuries to his front legs where he’d been trying to escape the bindings. Alfie was caused unimaginable unnecessary suffering due to the actions of McPhillips.”

Despite his conviction for a sickening act of cruelty towards a sweet, trusting dog, McPhillips’ hapless girlfriend Evie Marie Mackenzie appears to be standing by him.

Sentencing: six months in jail. Banned from owning or keeping animals for five years (expires December 2024).

Scottish Sun
BBC News

Bainsford, Falkirk: Gary McDonald

CONVICTED (2019) | Gary McDonald, born c. 1990, of Mungalhead Road, Bainsford, Falkirk FK2 7JG – attacked a nesting swan in a public park

Gary McDonald from Bainsford, Falkirk, Scotland, attacked a swan in a public park
Gary McDonald

Gary McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

The court heard that on May 6, 2018, McDonald entered Crownest Park in Stenhousemuir and approached a group of teenagers saying, “Watch this, I’m going to snap the swan’s neck”.

He also asked the group to film him.

Members of the group shouted at him to leave the swan alone as he approached the nest site and took out their phones to film his actions.

McDonald climbed down the verge on the east side of the pond, known as the Lido”, and sat next to the nest.

The swan became alarmed and stood up, stretching out its wings and neck in warning.

McDonald then grabbed the bird by the neck and held it for several seconds before it escaped by entering the pond.

The witnesses uploaded their footage to social media and a witness appeal by Police Scotland resulted in McDonald being identified.

This was the second year that the swan had nested at the side of the Lido.

Sara Shaw, head of the wildlife and environmental crime unit, said: “This was a callous act against a nesting swan.

“Wild birds are protected under our wildlife laws and those who choose to commit acts of violence against them can expect to be held to account.”

Sentencing: three-year community payback order with supervision and conduct requirements.

Falkirk Herald

Bainsford, Falkirk: George Moffat and Kerry Russell

CONVICTED (2019) | George John Moffat, born c. 1998, and Kerry Russell, born c. 1976, of Main Street, Bainsford, Falkirk FK2 – failed to seek veterinary help for a dog with a deep wound to his neck.

Animal abusers: George Moffat and Kerry Russel from Bainsford, Falkirk

George Moffat and his mother, Kerry Russell, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their dog, Banjo, by failing to provide him with appropriate care and treatment and not seeking veterinary advice for a chronic skin laceration and swelling to his head.

Banjo

The pair also admitted failing to ensure the needs of two dogs and four cats were met by exposing them to spilt paint, urine, faeces, household debris and knives and failing to allow them to exhibit normal behaviour by confining them with no access to appropriate outside areas for urinating and defecating, all contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Banjo

Scottish SPCA inspector Robyn Gray visited the flat occupied by the pair on January 31, 2019, after receiving a report from a vet who had euthanised Banjo due to the severity of a wound on his neck.

She said: “We attended the home of the owners, Russell and Moffat, and found it to be littered with debris and the stench of stale urine was overpowering. On further investigation, there was faeces all over the premises and rubbish and litter across the floor and surfaces.

“It was found there were four cats and two dogs on the premises. Due to the concerns raised over Banjo and the condition of the property, we removed the animals to secure their welfare. One of the dogs did not belong to Russell and Moffat so was collected by the owner. All animals removed from the properly and were examined by a vet.

“We later questioned Moffat and Russell regarding the severe wound on Banjo’s neck. Moffat stated this happened after Banjo ran into a bush on 21 January, however, veterinary treatment for the wound wasn’t sought until 26 January.

Their defence solicitors said money and transport issues were behind why the dog was not taken to the vet but both accepted “more should have been done”.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Robyn Gray added, “This (was) a severe case of animal neglect which led to the unnecessary suffering of Banjo, resulting in him being put to sleep on veterinary advice.

“We are pleased this case has been dealt with this sentence handed down but it further highlights our push for tougher and more consistent punishments. The suffering Banjo faced was unnecessary and he could potentially have still been alive had veterinary attention and treatment been sought sooner.”

Sentencing | 135 hours of unpaid work each; both were banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires April 2029).

Falkirk Herald

Denny, Falkirk: Andrew Bayne

CONVICTED (2019) | Andrew John Bayne, born 23 March 1972, of Stirling Street, Dunipace, Denny, Falkirk FK6 6QN – left his elderly pet dog to die in pain and dumped her body.

Cruel animal abuser Andrew Bayne allowed his pet dog Pepsi to suffer a catalogue of ailment instead of taking her to the vet. Inset photo shows Pepsi after she had died.
Cruel animal abuser Andrew Bayne allowed his pet dog Pepsi to suffer a catalogue of ailment instead of taking her to the vet. Inset photo shows Pepsi after she had died.

Callous Andrew Bayne, who has also lived in Gillingham in Kent, failed to provide veterinary care for the ailing dog, a 10-year-old Staffy named Pepsi.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court, Bayne pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate care and treatment, and failing to provide vet advice or treatment to his dog, under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 between June 3 and September 3, 2018.

The case came to light following an investigation by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) after the discovery of Pepsi’s body in a remote area.

Cruel animal abuser Andrew Bayne allowed his pet dog Pepsi (pictured) to suffer a catalogue of ailment instead of taking her to the vet.
Abused Staffy Pepsi died a prolonged and painful death

SSPCA inspector Louise Seddon, said: “In September 2018 I was called to a job regarding a dead dog discovered dumped in a box in a remote area in Stirling. Upon veterinary post-mortem examination, Pepsi, the dog, was discovered to have a large ulcerated tumour hanging from the abdomen that had multiple discharges.

“There was also a discharge from an opening over the right hock, as well as a vaginal discharge. Her claws were found to be excessively long on all four feet.

“She was also confirmed to have a uterine infection and septic arthritis of the right hind ankle joint, both of which would have caused pain and discomfort, particularly the arthritis as she was likely to be non-weight bearing on the hind limb.

“Histopathology confirmed the tumour was benign and could have been removed by a veterinary surgeon. The tumour was present for many months and was infected for at least one week, which would have caused pain and discomfort, but could have been infected for longer.

“Pepsi sadly passed away following a period of pain and suffering, which did not happen overnight and could have been treated had veterinary advice been sought.”

Inspector Seddon said: “We welcome the fact this case has been dealt with and the sentence handed down. We hope Bayne will give serious consideration about his suitability to care for other animals in the future.”

Sentencing | fined £500 and banned from keeping dogs for five years (expires April 2024).

Falkirk Herald

Polmont, Falkirk: Roy Paterson

CONVICTED (2019) | Roy Paterson, born 1955, of Greenpark Drive, Falkirk FK2 0QA – left his dog locked in a car in direct sunlight as temperatures soared

Paterson was charged with animal cruelty over an incident in St Andrews on July 23 , 2018 – a day when temperatures hit 25 degrees celsius in the Fife town.

Paterson had denied the charge but was found guilty after a two-day trial.

Passers-by had called police to a car park in Argyle Street in St Andrews, after spotting the dog locked in the back of a Volvo estate car. Attending officers found the dog “heavily panting and in distress”.

As the police considered him to be behaving aggressively because of the heat, they also summoned a vet to the scene.

PC Jonathan Gordon told the court he was one of the first two officers on the scene around 45 minutes after police were first called.

He said: “Members of the public were making comments about the dog – that it was shocking and it was a shame.

“It was agreed to gain entry to the vehicle and we smashed the back nearside window.

“The vet went in to the car to take control of the dog.

“The dog’s collar had a number and my colleague called it and the accused and a female arrived shortly after.

“He was obviously very upset that we had gained entry and said he had done enough for the dog and tried to justify himself by saying the windows had been cracked open and a water bowl had been left.

“He was adamant it was justifiable to do what he had done and stated we should be paying for the damage.”

A sheriff ruled Paterson had caused the dog unnecessary suffering by leaving him “exposed to excessive temperatures” – and convicted him of the crime.

Sentencing: fined £250.

Fife Today

Falkirk: Laurence Brown

CONVICTED (2018) | Laurence Brown, born. c. 1958, of Derwent Avenue, Falkirk FK1 5HZ – trapped his neighbour’s cat in an illegal and inhumane fox snare.

Cruel Laurence Brown bought an illegal snare off the internet and used it to trap his neighbour's cat. Miraculously she was unhurt.
Cruel Laurence Brown bought an illegal snare off the internet and used it to trap his neighbour’s cat. Miraculously she was unhurt.

Brown told the court he set a fox-snare for his neighbour’s cat because she wouldn’t stop fouling in his hot tub

The lorry driver said he had tried screens, pepper, and even lion dung after the feline began to “repeatedly” defecate in the heated outdoor whirlpool.

After these attempts failed to stop the cat, Brown bought a snare on the Internet and set it where the animal was squeezing through the palings of the fence that divided his garden from the cat’s owner’s garden.

Animal abuser: Laurence Brown from Falkirk, Scotland. Pic: Facebook

Prosecutor Susan Campbell said: ‘His garden backs onto their garden, and the gardens are separated by a six foot fence which has spaces which the cat can fit through.

‘On 22nd June the owner of the cat heard a yowling noise coming from the area of the fence.

‘He saw his cat dashing and realised that she had a piece of wire round her neck.

‘It was a loop of yellow wire with a small metal fixing and there was no stopper on the device which would have prevented it from continuing to tighten.

‘He got some scissors and cut it off. The cat was not injured.’

Ms Campbell said the cat’s owner challenged Brown about the incident, who claimed he was ‘trying to catch foxes’.

In court, Brown pleaded guilty to setting an illegal and inhumane snare and trapping the cat, whereby she became entangled and unable to free herself, causing her unnecessary suffering.

He also admitted contravening the Wildlife and Countryside Act by setting a snare ‘calculated to cause unnecessary suffering’ to any animal coming into contact with it, in that it had no ‘stop’ on its noose.

Sheriff James MacDonald told Brown:  ‘You had a limited record when you appeared before me, but you now have a conviction for animal cruelty, and that will live with you.

‘Not only that, you will have to live with the consequences of your actions – not least of which is knowing that your neighbour knows that you set a trap for his cat, which on the basis of the narration given to me by the Crown, can only have been with the intent to either maim that animal or at least cause it significant injury.

‘Fortunately for you it was unhurt, but I should tell you this: Parliament intended these offences to be taken seriously, and that is why Parliament provided me with the power to send you to prison for up to 12 months.

‘You should understand that if there is any repeat of this sort of behaviour, the court will undoubtedly regard it seriously.’

Sentencing | Fined £300. 

Daily Mail

Denny, Falkirk: Emily Paton

CONVICTED (2018) | Emily Paton, born c. 1999, of Denny, Falkirk – allowed her Rottweiler to become extremely underweight and to suffer with a ruptured eye which had to be removed

Animal abuser Emily Paton from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland.

Paton was prosecuted for animal cruelty following a Scottish SPCA investigation.  She was  sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court on 02/08/2018 after pleading guilty to causing Tia unnecessary suffering.

Tia was severely neglected by Emily Paton from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, inspector Robyn Gray said, “Tia was unsteady on her feet and in very poor body condition. She was extremely underweight, weighing around half of what she should.

Emily Paton from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland but recovered in the SSPCA's care.

“Tia required surgery to remove her right ruptured eye and during that it was discovered her left eye was near rupturing, so further work was required to save her eyesight.

“Thanks to the hard work from the vet team and our centre staff, Tia pulled through and she has made a full recovery and found her loving forever home with another dog who was rehomed from the Society”.

Sentence: ordered to carry out 110 hours of unpaid work; placed under supervision for one year. Five year ban on owning any animal (expires August 2023).

BBC News