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 (2024) | backyard breeder and wildlife persecutor William Scott, born c. 1962 of 24 Elliot Crescent, Calderwood, East Kilbride G74 3ET – for cruelty to a snake and five ferrets over a two-month period.
Scott, who is originally from Prestonpans, East Lothian, admitted failing to provide adequate food, water and living conditions for the pets.
Scottish SPCA animal welfare inspectors found the snake to be emaciated and suffering from infected lesions.
One of the ferrets was also significantly underweight and had a skin condition associated with dehydration.
Scott’s solicitor described his client as a “lifelong dog breeder” and “some kind of authority on hunting type dogs”.
He added that Scott’s own living conditions at the time were “very poor due to his poor mental and physical health”.
He was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his ferrets and snake, by failing to provide a suitably safe and clean environment for them to live in. His not guilty plea of causing unnecessary suffering to a lurcher-type dog was accepted by the court.
He was ordered to pay a total of £420 and banned from owning and keeping ferrets and snakes only. Sheriff Colin Dunipace rejected the prosecution’s request to have him disqualified from keeping dogs.
Speaking about their investigation, a Scottish SPCA inspector said: “On August 31, 2022, we received a call in relation to a property in Elliot Crescent in East Kilbride from a local authority environmental health officer.
“The caller noted a strong unpleasant smell emanating from the property and a large build-up of flies around the door of the property.
“They also reported that the ferret hutch was in poor condition, and the ferret himself was shaking.
“We attended the property the same day and upon entering the communal garden, we found a ferret within his hutch in extremely poor body condition.
“He was wobbly on his feet and was visibly shaking. The hutch itself was in very poor condition, with a large build-up of faeces, no bedding and lack of all other necessary provisions.
“Two water bottles were present but both were empty. A food bowl with old, congealed, soggy food was present but was clearly not fit for consumption.
“Concerns for the ferret were such that we made the decision to remove him immediately in order to obtain emergency veterinary treatment.
“The ferret was examined by a veterinary surgeon who confirmed he was in an emaciated body condition and was extremely dehydrated.
“The ferret required immediate hospitalisation, for fluids and rehydration therapy.
“A veterinary assessment confirmed that the ferret had been caused unnecessary suffering. The ferret remained hospitalised for approximately 48 hours before coming to one of our centres to recover.
“On gaining entry to the property the living conditions were of immediate concern.
“There was a significant build-up of rubbish, household items, and dirt and grime throughout.
“There was an obvious strong unpleasant smell, and flies swarmed throughout the property.
“A small metal cage within the living room housed four polecat-type ferrets.
“The cage was dirty, and completely inadequate in size for the animals within. There was water provided and the ferrets appeared to be in good body condition.
“In the room obstructed by hazards, a vivarium containing an adult female dwarf hog island boa constrictor type snake was found.
“The vivarium glass had a buildup of dirt and within the vivarium, there was a lot of shredded skin and a significant amount of faeces and urine.
“There was no water present and the snake herself appeared lethargic, and lean in body condition.
“Due to concerns for the body condition of the snake, arrangements were made for her to attend an exotic specialist vet immediately for assessment.
“It was noted she was thin and mildly dehydrated. She has lesions on her ventral scales and an infection on her tail.
“Her movements and reflexes were weak and she was cold to the touch.
“The vet concluded that the snake had been caused unnecessary suffering for months due to a combination of unhygienic conditions, starvation, untreated conditions and lack of veterinary care.
“The snake was prescribed a specific course of antibiotics and provided specialist care advice for her recovery. She was transported to one of our centres for ongoing care.
“We are pleased that Scott received this ban but we would have preferred the ban to include all animals and not just ferrets and snakes.
“Some of the ferrets have since been rehomed and the others are waiting to be rehomed.”
A lurcher dog, Astor, was also taken from Scott by the inspectors and rehomed pending the outcome of the court case.
Sentencing | fined £420. Banned from keeping or owning snakes and ferrets for five years (expires February 2029).
CONVICTED (2023) | Mohammad Tofiq Sadiq, born c. 1996, of Lethamhill Road, Riddrie, Glasgow G33 – failed to get veterinary treatment for his puppy’s mutilated ears.
Kilo received improper care after his ears were illegally cropped
Sadiq admitted causing unnecessary suffering to five-month-old American pocket bully, Kilo, by failing to provide veterinary treatment for injuries caused by a prohibited procedure, namely cropping.
Kilo’s ears were red and scabby when Scottish SPCA inspectors attended Sadiq’s home following a concerned call on April 18, 2022
When asked if he had taken Kilo to the vet, Sadiq denied he owned Kilo when the procedure was carried out and said he had been cleaning his ears with salty water since he got him.
Kilo’s owner claimed that Kilo’s ears were already cropped when he bought him nine days earlier, but this was refuted by the puppy’s previous owner
A special investigations unit inspector involved in the case said: “On 18 April 2022 we attended the premises following a call to our animal helpline regarding a dog being neglected.
“On entering the property, a male American pocket bully, named Kilo, could be seen with cropped ears which were red and scabby.
“Sadiq claimed he had only had the dog for around nine days and that his ears had been cropped by his previous owner. When asked if the dog had seen a vet he said that he had been cleaning Kilo’s ears with salty water and giving him paracetamol.”
Kilo was nursed back to health in the care of the Scottish SPCA
Kilo was immediately removed from the premises and taken to a veterinary practice to be examined.
The inspector added: “The vet stated that due to how fresh the wounds appeared to be, they believed the procedure had been carried out within the last seven to 10 days. Kilo was given anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling and pain the wounds would have been causing.
“We then took Kilo to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where he could receive the ongoing medical care he needed. While he was there we scanned him for a microchip and we were able to contact a previous owner who was able to confirm that the dog had full ear flaps when they last saw him in February.”
Sentencing | 12-month community payback order. Five-year ban on keeping animals (expires November 2028).
CONVICTED (2023)| serial animal abuser Elisha Walker, born c. 1996, of 535 Merry Street, Motherwell ML1 4DA – repeatedly left her two cats unattended for days at a time and eventually abandoned them altogether.
Elisha Walker admitted causing unnecessary suffering after abandoning cats Minty and Hamish.
Walker was given a small fine and pathetic and pointless TWO-year ban on keeping all animals following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
She pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable living environment or to make adequate provisions for her two cats, Minty a black and white female, and Hamish, a tabby and white male. She also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the cats.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Jack Marshall, said, “We first became aware of Elisha Walker on 3 September 2019, when concerns were raised that she had abandoned the property on Merry Street and left her cats behind.
“We were given access to the property by a housing officer and found that the three cats inside were in good condition. They had access to food but had run out of water.
“The property was in substandard condition and somewhat cluttered. The litter trays needed to be cleaned and there was a bin in the bathroom shut away from the cats which smelled foul due to festering meat in in the bottom of it.
“Provisions were made for the cats, the property was secured and a Scottish SPCA calling card taped to the door urging the owner to make contact urgently.
“The owner, identifying herself as Elisha Walker replied to the card a few hours later and we attended again the following day. The property had been partially cleaned and tidied but was not yet satisfactory. We issued Walker with an animal welfare notice for the rest of the property to be cleaned and tidied to an acceptable manner, and for the cats to be tended to at least twice daily to ensure their welfare needs were being met.
“We returned on 9 September 2019 to find that the conditions of the notice had been complied with and the property was now fully clean and tidy. We advised Walker that she must keep on top of the cleanliness of the property going forward.
“We were next contacted on 16 May 2021 due to concerns that cats in the property had once again been left unattended, this time for around four days.
“An inspector visited the property and found it to be unoccupied with a foul smell emanating from it. We taped the doors to see if anyone was attending the cats and continued to visit over the next few days, supplying them with wet food through the letterbox. During this time the tape remained unbroken.
“On 19 May we were able to gain entry to the property and found two cats, Minty and Hamish, inside. The premises were in very poor condition with household rubbish, clutter and cat faeces strewn throughout. There was no food or water present for the cats and the litter trays were full of faeces.
“Some of the rubbish showed evidence that the cats had been chewing and clawing at it looking for food.
“We immediately removed both cats from the property took them to be seen by a vet.
“On veterinary examination, both cats were found to be dehydrated and in lean body condition. They had undoubtedly been caused unnecessary suffering due to being left alone without suitable food and water.
“We returned to the property on 20 May, as we had left a humane cat trap in case any of Walker’s other cats were present at the property. While we were there Elisha Walker arrived in a taxi.
“When questioned about the incident she stated she had been unwell and staying at her partner’s address and a friend had agreed to care for the cats. However, she was unable to provide any contact details for the person she named.
“Although we are glad she received a ban, we would have liked it to have been for a longer period of time. Walker has never offered any reasonable explanation as to why Minty and Hamish were left in such conditions, which resulted directly from her failure to attend regularly and maintain a suitable living environment for the cats.
“The situation overall was completely unacceptable and caused the cats considerable suffering. This was further compounded by the terrible living conditions within the property and the fact that Walker was previously given an animal welfare notice for similar issues, yet allowed them to not only reoccur but deteriorate.”
Sentencing | fined £270 and banned from keeping animals for two years (expires November 2025).
CONVICTED (2023) | Patrick-Michael McCluskey, born 1 June 2004, of 9 Selkirk Way, Coatbridge ML5 4TN – kept dogs and cats in a home full of household waste, clutter and animal faeces.
Teenage animal abuser Patrick-Michael McCluskey who goes by the name PM McCluskey ignored repeated warnings from the Scottish SPCA over the atrocious conditions in which he kept dogs and cats. Despite living at the same address, Sylvia McCluskey, aka Sylvia McNicoll had her not guilty plea accepted by the court.
McCluskey pleaded guilty to failing to provide a clean and safe environment for two dogs in his care, but walked free from court with an admonishment. He wasn’t even banned from owning animals.
A not guilty plea was accepted for the teenager’s mother, Sylvia Claire McCluskey, born 25 November 1963, and of the same address..
Scottish SPCA inspector, Jack Marshall, said, “We had attended the address on Selkirk Way on several occasions between October 2017 and May 2022.
“We provided Patrick-Michael McCluskey with advice and support on how to care for his animals but unfortunately the conditions at the property continued to deteriorate. We removed several dogs and cats from his care during this period.
“A previous report to the fiscal in May 2021 resulted in a fiscal’s warning being issued about the conditions animals were being kept in on the premises.
“In September 2022 we received a call from Police Scotland who had attended Selkirk Way on an unrelated matter and become extremely concerned due to conditions at the property.
“We gained a warrant to enter the address and this was conducted on 14 September 2022.
“On entering the property we found it was full of household waste, clutter and animal faeces.
“There were two one-year-old dogs at the property, a poodle-type dog named Lady and a husky named Lola.
“Due to concerns for their welfare they were immediately removed from the address and taken for veterinary examination.
“It’s disappointing that this case has only resulted in an admonishment as any responsible owner would have been able to see that the conditions within the property were far from suitable for any person, let alone an animal, to have to endure.”
*An admonition is where an accused person found guilty of a crime is warned not to offend again. It is recorded as a conviction and appears on their criminal record. No other penalty is given.
CONVICTED (2023) | puppy farmers / traffickers Tom Paul Mongan, born c. 1995, of 4 Mill Pond Glen, Poleglass, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0XX, and William Joseph Mongan, aka William Ward, born 9 October 1983, of 6 Ardcaoin Grove, Poleglass, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0US
Brothers Tom Mongan (left) and William Mongan sold sick puppies from rented Glasgow flats leaving a trail of misery in their wake
Notorious puppy farmer/trafficker Tom Mongan, who in May 2023 was convicted for similar charges in Northern Ireland, and brother William Mongan, sold dogs online from rented Airbnb properties across Glasgow.
The dogs were found in poor shape and were discovered living in unsanitary conditions by SSPCA inspectors.
Some of the 11 pets the pair were responsible for were later put down due to ill health.
Tom Mongan pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering while William Mongan admitted two charges.
The charges spanned between December 2020 and February 2021.
The brothers – who are of the Irish traveller community – were sentenced to nine months in jail each by Sheriff Mark McGuire.
He said: “Each of you pled guilty to what can be described as animal cruelty on 11 separate dogs.
“What I heard is what the public would know as puppy farming.
“It must have been obvious the dogs were unwell and the conditions they were kept in was poor – you took no steps to get help for these animals.
“The motivation was for financial gain – each dog was priced at over £1,000.
“It was clearly greed and it brought unimaginable misery to those who unfortunately bought them.
“I am satisfied there is no other appropriate sentence than custody.”
Tom Mongan with wife Ellie Marie Mongan. The charges against her and Brigid Marie Mongan, sister of Tom and Edward, were dropped during court proceedings
Despite facing prosecution for similar offences in Northern Ireland, Tom Mongan went on to rent out a number of Airbnb properties in Glasgow for the purposes of selling more dogs.
He advertised a springer spaniel puppy on website PetsForHomes which was answered by a man.
He met Tom at an address and was shown a vaccination card for the puppy who was lying on a couch.
He paid Tom £1,600 in separate transactions to purchase the puppy later named Bella.
Tom contacted the man the following day to ask when he would pick up the dog.
Prosecutor Gail Campbell said: “[The man] told him that they picked up the puppy and was then blocked by Tom Mongan on the website.”
The man also noticed that the puppy had diarrhoea and was lethargic with parvovirus suspected by a vet.
The decision was made to euthanize Bella days later due to her ill health.
Ms Campbell added: “The vet thought that the dog was caused unnecessary suffering.
“[The man] contacted Tom Mongan on Facebook to tell him the puppy had died but he blocked him.”
A woman purchased a Pomeranian puppy from Tom in similar circumstances which was named Abbie.
The dog vomited and also had diarrhoea which included live worms.
Abbie was taken to the vet where she was noted to have done the toilet on herself and could stand on her own.
Abbie was also euthanized with a post mortem finding that she suffered from parvovirus.
A man and woman purchased a Beagle later named Freya from Tom.
She was later noted to have no appetite, vomited and had diarrhoea. Freya also passed away from her condition.
The woman contacted Tom but received no reply.
SSPCA inspectors and police raised of the addresses on January 28 2021 and found Tom Mongan, William Mongan and eight puppies within.
A spaniel puppy was noted to be “distressed”, as well as lethargic and could not lift her head.
Another spaniel puppy and a Pomeranian were also found to be in a “visibly poor condition.”
A puddle of clear yellow fluid, believed to be diarrhoea was found on the floor of one of the bedrooms.
The puppies were seized and only four of them were linked to microchips.
A vet stated that all the puppies were in poor condition and should have received veterinary care. One of the dogs was put down.
Grubby family enterprise: Brigid Mongan with brother William Mongan. The case against her did not proceed
Over a week later, William Mongan was visited by the SSPCA who received information beagle puppies were being sold.
Four puppies were found inside including a beagle puppy who was in a poor condition.
A border collie described as being “extremely unwell” was noted to be lying in her own urine and faeces.
William threatened legal action on one of the SSPCA inspectors who seized the puppies
Ms Campbell added: “The inspector has not been contacted by a lawyer.”
Atlanta Jack, defending Tom, told the sentencing her client was involved for financial gain.
The lawyer added: “He expresses his regret for the people who purchased the puppies and he is apologetic for the upset and inconvenience caused.”
Patrick Brechany, defending William, stated his client is a gardener by trade who is “remorseful and “regretful.”
Mr Brechany denied that William was a “puppy farmer” but sold dogs who were puppy farmed.
Sheriff McGuire banned the two men, of Belfast, from keeping animals for ten years.
Sentencing | nine-month custodial; 10-year ban applicable to all animals.
In April 2023 Irish newspaper Sunday World published an article on “convicted fraudster” William Mongan in which they described how neighbours of the vile Mongans had to take action to stop newborn puppies bred by the family from dying. The article revealed how people living in the same street as William Mongan had been going into his back yard to feed two very young cocker spaniel puppies he had left in a shed. Concerned neighbours told the Sunday World reporter how the puppies cried 24 hours a day for food and attention.
Abandoned puppies only survived thanks to the intervention of kindly neighbours of William Mongan aka William Ward
“He dropped the puppies off … and he left and has only been seen back once since then and even then he didn’t get out of his van,” said one concerned neighbour.
“He doesn’t live here very much and he hasn’t been seen much but nobody can understand why he’d abandon two vulnerable young puppies like this in his yard.
“The poor things have been whining constantly because he didn’t leave any food for them. They are far too young to be away from their mother.
“It’s maybe hard to understand how distressing it is to have to listen to young puppies crying 24 hours a day because they are starving and missing their mum.
“Loads of neighbours have complained to Belfast City Council’s animal welfare department as well as the USPCA but nobody seems to be doing anything.”
CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Frati, born c. 1995, of Craigend, City of Glasgow – killed a tiny chihuahua by striking her with a hatchet.
Frati attacked the chihuahua named Ruby at a property in Ruchazie in the north east of Glasgow, on 5 August 2023.
He was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court of causing the dog unnecessary suffering. He also behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at the same time and place.
Sheriff Patrick Hughes said it was a particularly sad matter due to Frati’s friendship with the dog’s owner, Janet Collins.
Sheriff Hughes said: “She played an almost maternal role in your life.
“This was the worst incident of animal cruelty I have seen, particularly in a summary court.
The charge said Frati knew or ought to have known that his actions would have caused suffering.
It is stated that he struck Ruby on the head with a hatchet which caused her death.
Sheriff Hughes added the dog had suffered from an “unprovoked incident”.
He said: “Miss Collins suffered from seeing it and seeing it done by you which is hurtful.
“It seems to me that you pose a significant risk to the public and this incident is an escalation.”
Peter Malone, defending, told the sentencing hearing that Ms Collins had tried to help Frati with his addiction issues and he had been living with her.
Frati was cleared in 2019 of two murder bid shootings within a month after the charges against him were dropped.
He denied shooting Robert McCann at a house in Tollcross as well as Brian McGloin at his home in Shettleston.
Mr McCann said he was shot in the head in his friend Christopher Lynch’s home, but remembered nothing after hearing someone at the front door and walking out of the kitchen into the hallway.
He woke up days later in hospital. In court he said he was unable to identify the gunman.
Mr McGloin who was shot three times and slashed on the face, also said in court he was unable to identify the shooter.
CONVICTED (2023) | Allan Graham, born February 1992, of Muirhouse Avenue, Newmains, Wishaw ML2 9NF – left his elderly dog starving and drinking out of a green algae-covered water bowl.
Cruel Allan Graham received a two-year ban after his dog was found underweight with a foul-smelling coat covered in dandruff.
Graham pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 2 August 2023. The charges were in relation to a Staffy/English bull terrier crossbreed named Bruiser.
Bruiser weighed significantly less than the normal for a dog of his breed with all of his bones prominent through his fur
Scottish SPCA chief inspector Heather Lawson said “We attended a property on Muirhouse Avenue, Newmains, Wishaw on 14 August 2020 following a complaint to our animal helpline.
“The caller reported that there was a dog within the property who was in extremely poor body condition.
“Inside the premises we found a male, Staffordshire bull terrier cross English bull terrier type dog, known as Bruiser, in extremely poor condition. All his ribs, spine and hip bones were prominent. He had a hunched posture and a very quiet demeanour.
“There was a large bowl of water on the floor which was coloured green with algae. Allan Graham stated that the dog drank an excessive amount of water and to save him having to refill it he provided a larger bowl.
“He admitted that Bruiser was underweight and claimed he had been trying to feed him up by giving him pasta in addition to his normal dog food.
“Due to concerns for Bruiser’s welfare we removed him from the property and took him to a veterinary surgeon for examination.
“Bruiser was found to weigh 13.8kg with loss of muscle mass, especially over his hindquarters. The harness he was wearing was too big, suggesting he had lost a significant amount of weight since it was fitted. The normal weight for a dog of his breed would be between 18kg and 20kg.
“Bruiser’s coat was also in poor condition with a foul smell and quantity of dandruff.
“No clinical reason could be found for his weight loss and it was determined it was most likely due to a poor diet rather than an underlying medical condition.
Bruiser following his recovery in the SSPCA’s care
“Bruiser soon regained weight in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres on a normal diet of commercially available dog food.
“We’re pleased Graham received a ban as, although he seemed to be aware that Bruiser was clearly in poor condition, he did nothing to resolve the situation.
“Bruiser’s suffering could easily have been alleviated through providing him with the correct nutrition.”
Sentencing | £450 fine. A two-year ban on owning dogs (expires August 2025)..
CONVICTED (2023) | hillbilly brothers Grant Stuart Campbell and David Campbell of 74 Woodside Crescent, Newmains, Wishaw ML2 9NA – for appalling cruelty to multiple dogs in their care.
Grant Campbell received an indefinite ban on owning animals while David Campbell is only disqualified for five years. Photo: Daily Record
Self-styled ‘rat-catcher‘ Grant Campbell pleaded guilty to seven charges of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment for various conditions and injuries affecting six dogs in his care, including a broken leg.
Injured dogs were kept in shocking conditions at the family home brothers Grant and David Campbell share with their mother MaryThe Campbells’ home in Woodside Crescent, Newmains, viewed from above
His brother David Campbell pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to provide a suitable environment for two of the dogs and failing to keep them free from suffering, injury or disease as their clinical condition strongly displayed signs of neglect and failure to seek veterinary care.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Dawn Murrie, said: “We had several dealings with Grant and David Campbell from March 2021 in regard to the conditions dogs were being kept in and traps Grant Campbell had around the Newmains area.
“Advice was given on the conditions the dogs were being kept in on several occasions and we issued an animal welfare notice that the Campbells complied with. Advice was also given to Grant Campbell on the operation of his traps and the requirements for their appropriate use.
Tara’s painful arthritis went untreated by her heartless owners
“On 19 October 2021 we received another complaint to our animal helpline about the conditions at the property.
“We attended and it was immediately clear that there were issues throughout. There was a strong foul odour as we entered, and the pathway into the garden and dog kennels was covered in faeces, hazards and rubbish.
“The kennels themselves were full of urine and faeces with a complete lack of suitable, dry bedding available for the dogs.
“One kennel was so full of faeces that no part of the flooring was visible. The door to this kennel was closed over and, at first, we assumed this to be a dumping ground for all of the faeces accumulated from the other dogs. Further examination revealed two large, adult deerhound type dogs, lying in the back compartment of the kennel.
“We had immediate concerns for the welfare of all of the animals on the premises and removed them for veterinary examination.
“Lass, one of the deerhounds, was found to have pressure sores and a fracture in her leg that the vet estimated would have been present for around three to four weeks. The break had been left untreated for so long that she had to have her leg amputated.
“Boy, another deerhound, only had three legs and was suffering from a displaced toe. Not only would this have caused him pain but the extra stress on them due to his missing leg would have been more than a normal limb usually supports.
“Gibbs, a pug, was suffering from a severe bacterial skin infection. Pinky, another pug, had an extremely infected and swollen toe.
“Tara, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and Buffy, a lurcher, were found to have arthritis, an extremely painful condition when left untreated.
“All of the dogs were suffering from dental disease to some extent.
“We are pleased that both brothers have received bans on keeping animals.”
Sentencing |
Grant Campbell: two year supervision order and six month restriction of liberty order.Banned from keeping any animal indefinitely.
David Campbell: community payback order of 300 hours to be completed over three years. Banned from keeping any animal for five years (expires July 2028).
CONVICTED (2023) | Chantelle Margaret Angela Crossan, born 13 September 1998, and partner Liam McLachlan, born 17 June 1999, of Carmyle Avenue, Carmyle, Glasgow G32 – for the neglect and starvation of their two dogs.
Chantelle Crossan and Liam McLachlan were branded “disgraceful” for their shocking treatment of two dogs
Chantelle Crossan and Liam McLachlan, who have two young children, admitted failing to provide two dogs in their care with appropriate pain relief and veterinary treatment for their emaciated and underweight body conditions. They were prosecuted in relation to a three-year-old Staffy named Kenzo and a five-month-old Cane Corso cross called Tyson.
Puppy Tyson’s ribs were also prominent through his fur. He was also suffering from n untreated skin condition that had caused hair loss to his face
Scottish SPCA chief inspector McIntyre said: “On 30 January 2022 we attended Carmyle Avenue, Glasgow in response to information we had received from our animal helpline. The information came from a complainant who stated that they were concerned for two dogs at the address as they had heard noises coming from the property which sounded like the dogs were fighting.
Three-year-old Kenzo was also very thin following months of neglect by her owners.
“We had tried to make previous contact with the owner of the dogs on 21 January 2022, after receiving information from our animal helpline regarding a separate complaint that the dogs were underweight.
“An appointment was made to visit the address to view the dogs on 24 January 2022, but the owner then cancelled the visit, and asked to rearrange it for the following week.
Healthier times: Tyson and Kenzo in images shared to Facebook by their owners
“On 30 January we were met at the door by a woman who identified herself as Chantelle Crossan.
“Inside the property were two dogs, a white and tan coloured, female, Staffordshire bull terrier type dog called Kenzo, and a dark brindle coloured, male, cane corso type dog, called Tyson.
“We could see straight away that both dogs were in poor condition. Kenzo was underweight, with her hips and spine visible. Tyson was emaciated, with all ribs clearly visible, as well as his hip bones and spine being very prominent underneath his fur. His skin also appeared to be in poor condition and was very dry and flaky, with some hair loss around his legs and face.
“We asked for some further details regarding the dogs, including their ages, and whether they were under any veterinary treatment. They stated that Kenzo was approximately three years old and that Tyson was approximately five months old. It was stated that neither dog was under veterinary treatment.
“It was advised that the dogs were in need of immediate veterinary attention and that we would be removing the dogs due to concerns for their welfare.
“Both dogs were immediately taken to be examined by a vet who confirmed that Kenzo was very underweight and that no injuries or underlying conditions were evident.
“Tyson was emaciated. His legs had very little muscle and his groin had thin, taught skin as there was so little tissue due to his malnutrition. He had hair loss on both thighs which was attributed to his malnutrition. He had mild redness in his right ear and one of his testicles was not fully developed.
“Due to the absence of any injuries or obvious underlying conditions, the vet’s opinion was that this low body condition was due to chronic underfeeding and negligence. The dogs further had their welfare compromised by the failure to seek veterinary treatment to find out if there was an underlying reason for their poor condition.
“The vet estimated it would have taken a period of at least three months for the dogs to come to be in this condition.
“This has been exacerbated in the case of Tyson as he was such a young puppy and would have needed extra nutrition to maintain condition and to develop appropriately. The long term effects of malnutrition at this stage may still impact him in the future.”
Banning the couple from having anything to do with animals for six years Sheriff Kevin McCarron told them: “I have read the background reports that this was a bit of an oversight and there were pressures of life.
“I don’t find any of that an acceptable explanation for these two dogs being in that awful condition.
“The responsibility for that is entirely on yourselves. The fact you let these dogs get in that condition is disgraceful, frankly.”
The Scottish SPCA expressed disappointment with the short length of the banning order. They said that “given the level of neglect, we would have liked it to be for a longer period of time.”
Sentencing | Crossan: 80 hours of community service. McLachlan: 120 hours of community service. Both were banned from owning/keeping any animal for six years (expires June 2029).
