Tag Archives: Renfrewshire

Dogs

Paisley, Renfrewshire: Chanel McGaharon and Robert McLeish

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CONVICTED (2022) | Chanel McGaharon, born 12 March 2000, and Robert ‘Rab’ McLeish, born 17 October 1995, of Williamsburgh Court, Paisley PA1 1QJ but with links to Dumbarton – left a puppy with bleeding scabs and gaping wound for several weeks.

Convicted animal abusers Chanel McGaharon and Robert McLeish from Paisley

McGaharon and McLeish, who are parents, pleaded guilty to failing to seek veterinary treatment and pain relief for an eight-month-old Akita called Marlie. The pup had been scratching so furiously that she was left with wounds on the back of her legs and patches of missing fur.

Marlie, who was badly neglected by Chanel McGaharon and Robert McLeish from Paisley

Officers from the Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) attended the couple’s home after receiving a report of concern for a dog’s welfare. They found Marlie lying in pain outside the property. She was showing signs of distress as she would constantly stand up, turn around in a tight circle then lie down.

The officers asked for access into the couple’s home to inspect the dog’s living conditions, but this request was denied.

Officers rushed the dog to the vet where it was estimated that she had been suffering for up to eight weeks.

Marlie’s owners were prosecuted but walked free from court with a £135 fine each. Neither was banned from owning an animal.

Speaking about the case, SSPCA inspector Isla Bell said: “On Tuesday, August 25, I attended the property of Robert McLeish and Chanel McGaharon in response to a complaint of dog neglect made to the Scottish SPCA animal helpline.

“The report stated that there was a dog lying outside the home with swollen paws and missing fur and which appeared to be very lethargic.

“On arrival, I asked to see inside the property to assess whether the dog’s health could be related to their living conditions however McLeish refused to grant access.

“I then observed a female Akita dog lying on a blanket outside. The Akita, named Marlie, appeared to be an older dog, slightly underweight and had a generally lethargic demeanour. Marlie would constantly stand up, turn around in a tight circle then lie down, as if irritated. She was also scratching constantly.

“I noticed blood on the back of the Marlie’s legs and belly and on her paws from scratching herself. These areas also had a particularly sparse coat. The skin that could be seen in areas where fur was missing or sparse was red, inflamed and covered in scabs.”

Ms Bell said she was shocked to discover that Marlie was only eight months old, as she showed no signs whatsoever of being a playful puppy which would have been expected at this age.

She added: “It was clear that Marlie’s welfare had suffered. Her chronic skin condition meant she had scratched herself to the point that she left a gaping wound on her head and wore away hair on her body, ears and legs. She also had areas of thickened skin from the constant scratching.
“It is deplorable that somebody could watch their pet in this constant state of irritation and do little to ease their suffering.

“I was so concerned for Marlie’s welfare due to her condition that I removed her immediately to be examined by a vet.

“Veterinary examination confirmed that she had been caused unnecessary suffering over a period of four to eight weeks by her owner’s failure to seek veterinary attention for her skin.

“We are disappointed that neither McLeish nor McGaharon received a ban.

“We hope they will seriously reconsider their ability to care for animals in the future.

“After being taken into our care, the condition of the Marlie’s skin improved drastically and her demeanour was a lot happier. She has now been rehomed to a loving family where she is treated to lots of cuddles and beach walks.”

Sentencing | £135 fine. No ban.

Glasgow Live
Daily Record
Glasgow Times

Additional Information

In March 2018 Robert McLeish, then of Dumbarton and with previous convictions, was jailed for 27 months and placed under supervision for a further nine months after being caught in a garden with a large kitchen knife.

McLeish’s lawyer told the court that his client “had had his difficulties in life and a lack of stability” adding that he had moved to Dumbarton from Paisley “to get away from bad influences”.

Dumbarton Reporter

Dogs, hunting with dogs, hunts, Non-Abuse Cases

Houston, Renfrewshire: John Wright

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CONVICTED (2022) | John Bennet Wright, born 25 March 1989, of 17 Viking Crescent, Houston, Johnstone PA6 8LQ – battered a disabled foxhunt protestor.

Wright, who is associated with the Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire (L&R) Hunt, was caught on camera violently pulling Grant Sloan, who uses aids to walk, out of his vehicle and repeatedly kicking him.

The hunt thug lashed out when Mr Sloan was watching L&R hunt in Bridge of Weir in October 2020.

Mr Sloan was able to record the brutal attack on his phone and the footage shows Wright kicking him on the chest.

Prosecutor Amber Feeney told the court: “Around 3.30pm, Mr Sloan was in Bridge of Weir due to a fox hunt taking place and was parked at the side of the road in his vehicle alone.

“A short time later, three males approached, with one of them being the accused.

“One of the unknown males shouted at Mr Sloan to leave and he attempted to explain he was there not to cause any issue.

“At this point, the accused and another male opened the car door and pulled him out of the vehicle.

“Mr Sloan started to record this and the accused started to repeatedly kick Mr Sloan.

“Mr Sloan captured the accused kick him on the chest and the accused left with the two males. Police were contacted.

“Officers attended and system checks in relation to fox hunt nominals were carried out which identified the accused as the man in Mr Sloan’s video.”

Ms Feeney told the court that Mr Sloan was against fox hunting and was parked at the side of the road to observe if anything “untoward” took place, and it appeared that Wright was a “fan” of fox-hunting.

Defence agent Craig Broadley told the court Wright, who works for a local landscaping company “accepts” his behaviour.

Broadley added: “He doesn’t think he kicked the man particularly hard but he understands that doesn’t make a difference.

“He had been drinking with a friend fishing in the local area and when he was walking home he met the group.

“He does accept his actions and acting aggressively and that his behaviour was unacceptable.”

Sentencing Wright, Sheriff Eoin McGinty told him : “This was a particularly frightening incident for Mr Sloan as he was surrounded by a mob and manhandled from his car and thereafter you kicked him on the chest.”

The sentence was strongly welcomed by the Glasgow Hunt Sabs group – a group dedicated to protecting wild animals from hunters that Mr Sloan is a part of.

A spokesperson for the group told national newspaper the Express: “We are pleased with this outcome.

“John Wright is guilty of attacking not only a lone, but also disabled member of our group, who was dragged from his car as he monitored illegal hunting at the Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Foxhounds.

“The brave actions of our sab, who managed to film part of the incident, certainly helped with the verdict.

“On the day in question, members of our group were subjected to violent threats constantly from hunt staff looking for fights. Before the attack took place, another of our vehicles had its tyres slashed.”

Glasgow Hunt Sabs continuously call for stronger fox-hunting laws to be introduced by the Scottish Government, the spokesperson added: “Those associated with the Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Foxhounds continuously demonstrate why stronger, more meaningful fox hunting laws are needed.

“But until the Scottish Government brings its laws into line, we at Glasgow Hunt Sabs will not be deterred by cowardly acts of violence, and will continue to protect wildlife from the immeasurable cruelty in our countryside.”

Sentencing | 12-month supervision order with180 hours of unpaid work; £500 compensation to victim.

Daily Record
Glasgow Hunt Sabs’ FB post 23 August 2022

Additional Information

In March 2022 Wright was given a community sentence, fine and driving ban after being caught driving while six times over the legal limit of alcohol. He was also in possession of a locking knife without an excuse. Wright’s lawyer told the court how there is a “background of alcohol misuse and addition” adding that his client is attending Alcoholics Anonymous.

Oban Times (Pressreader link)

Dogs, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Boarding Kennels

Paisley, Renfrewshire: John Stokesley

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CONVICTED (2022) | professional dog walker John Stokesley trading as Paws N Go, born 13 January 1969, of 91 Spencer Drive, Paisley PA2 0TW – left his dog in pain and distress.

Stokesley pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his dog Ziva, a two-year-old Rottweiler-German shepherd cross.

Ziva had suffered injuries to her legs and ears but Stokesley didn’t take her to a vet for four days. As a result her wounds were infected and Ziva developed sepsis. She eventually had to be put down as her injuries were so severe.

Scottish SPCA inspector Gillian Dick said: “We were contacted by a veterinary practice after Stokesley presented the dog there for treatment on November 15, 2019.

“He stated that another dog in the property had attacked Ziva on Monday November 11, 2019. The owner informed the practice that Ziva had a few wounds, which he had been bathing and treating at home but that she had stopped eating.

“Ziva was carried into the practice, as she was unable to walk. The vet had to examine Ziva while she lay on the floor as the dog was so weak she could not even lift her head.

“Ziva was extremely dehydrated and also appeared to be in shock. She had many wounds but the most significant was on her right hind leg. The wound was necrotic and so deep that the bone was exposed. She also had a deep, pus-filled wound behind her right ear.

“The veterinarian advised that Ziva was in septic shock and was suffering from multi-organ failure. Her back leg was so badly infected that it would need to be amputated but because Ziva was so weak she would not survive the anaesthetic and sadly the decision had to be made to euthanise her.”

Paws N Go logo
Stokesley has a dog-walking business named Paws N Go

The Scottish SPCA said it was disappointed Stokesley wasn’t issued with a ban on keeping animals.

“Stokesley failed to take appropriate action and respond to the urgency of his dog’s condition, which ultimately led to her suffering from excruciating and debilitating injuries, which became so severe that the only option was euthanasia to end her suffering,” added Inspector Dick.

“He is employed as a dog walker and has responsibility for animals in his care on a daily basis, which makes this incident even more concerning.

Anyone working in a professional capacity with animals would be expected to have easily recognised the severity of Ziva’s injuries.

“Had he taken swift action at onset of injury and provided his dog with the appropriate veterinary attention, she need not have suffered and may even still be alive and well today.

“We are pleased Stokesley has been fined but disappointed he was not issued with a ban given his employment involves caring for animals on a daily basis. We would hope he would think long and hard about his ability to care for animals going forward.”

Sentencing: fined £800. No ban.

Daily Record
Glasgow Live

Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers

Paisley, Renfrewshire: Robert Clark

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CONVICTED (2022) | serial animal abuser Robert Clark, born c. 1961, of Canal Terrace, Paisley PA1 2HS – left his elderly pet dog in extreme pain with a broken leg.

Cruel Robert Clark was banned from owning animals for ten years after failing to get veterinary help for his badly injured "companion", an elderly border collie named Jess.
Cruel Robert Clark was banned from owning animals for ten years after failing to get veterinary help for his badly injured “companion”, an elderly border collie named Jess. He has a previous conviction for animal cruelty.

Procurator fiscal Martine McGuigan showed pictures of Jess with a deformed front leg, which was as a result of a collision in May 2019.

Ms McGuigan told the court: “On May 15, 2019, Inspector Dick of the SSPCA received a call on the animal welfare line.

Jess was left without veterinary treatment after being hit by a car. Picture: SSPCA
Jess was left without veterinary treatment after being hit by a car. She was eventually euthanised on welfare grounds after being found in agony with a deformed leg.

“The anonymous caller stated that the dog’s paw was sitting at a strange angle and unable to bear any weight.

“Inspector Dick was able to speak with the accused on the phone who stated the dog had been involved in a road traffic accident and had an injured leg that he was treating himself.

“The SSPCA inspector told the accused he must seek veterinary attention and provided Clark with details of practices in Paisley.

“On May 16, Inspector Dick attended at the property as a follow-up to the call.

“The inspector spoke to the accused and the dog was brought to her.

“It was immediately apparent the dog was not weight bearing in her front leg, her paw was twisted, swollen and warm to touch and there was a clear sense of discomfort and yelping during the examination.

“It was clear the dog was in extreme pain.”

The court heard the SSPCA inspector “expressed concern” to Clark about Jess. It also emerged that the road traffic accident was seven days prior to the SSPCA being anonymously notified.

Ms McGuigan continued: “The accused stated he had bandaged the dog’s leg and it had been like that a number of days.

“The accused was advised that Jess would be removed and the matter reported to the procurator fiscal.

“Jess was seen by a vet and it was concluded she had a broken bone in her front leg, she was 15kg and described as ‘very thin.’

“The carpus bones, which are the equivalent of a wrist joint in her leg was deformed and swollen and the X-rays showed she had osteoarthritis.

“The dog was given pain relief and then sedated.

“Numerous thick matts were found in her coat and once clipped away it made clearer the poor condition of the dog.

“Over the next couple of days the vets were unable to make Jess comfortable.

“They were unable to restore her quality of life and on May 18, she was euthanised on welfare grounds.

“The veterinary report stated that it is imperative for any dog involved in a road traffic accident to receive vet attention without delay, even if it appears not to have any injuries – which was not the case.

“The accused was interviewed where he stated ‘I wish I reacted a bit quicker. I’d rather she passed away here. I knew she was sore.’

“The vet report stated that the dates liable were due to the osteoarthritis and the dog’s condition.”

Defence agent Jim Clarke told the court it was a “great tragedy” that Clark couldn’t afford veterinary attention at the time for Jess.

Mr Clarke said: “Robert Clark is very much saddened by the loss of Jess.

“In the social work report available to the court he states ‘I wish I could have done more.’

“He is profoundly saddened by what happened to Jess.

“He does have an analogous previous conviction, but being almost 60 years of age, he has no intention of owning a pet again.”

Sheriff Lindsay Kooner said: “No one could fail to be distressed by what the procurator fiscal indicated.

“I can see from your demeanour you accept your responsibility.

“I accept you’ve indicated your profound regret ad sadness at the loss of your companion of 14 years.

“Your previous conviction concerns me and so I find a disqualification is necessary in this case.”

Sentencing: 150 hours of unpaid work as a “direct alternative to custody”. Disqualified from owning any animal for ten years (expires January 2032).

Daily Record

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Johnstone, Renfrewshire: Thomas Winters

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CONVICTED (2021) | Thomas Stewart Winters, born 11 March 1969, of 71B High Street, Johnstone PA5 8QG – kicked and punched his dog after losing his temper

Violent dog abuser Thomas Winters from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Winters was placed on an electronic tag and handed mandatory supervision after he admitted attacking the dog in public.

He pinned the dog down and kicked and punched her on the head and body during a drunken rampage.

He also chased after the unnamed dog, who fled into bushes, where he began kicking and swiping at the foliage after losing his temper.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Winters was drunk when he became enraged at the dog on July 19, 2021, at Morrison’s petrol station in Johnstone.

The court heard he had been walking the pet when she angered him by behaving aggressively towards another person walking past.

In panic, he flipped out and hit the dog as well as chasing after her.

Winters pleaded guilty to charges of causing an animal unnecessary suffering by pinning the dog to the ground and repeatedly punching and kicking her on the head and body.

Defence agent Charlie McCusker told how Winters, who was under the influence of alcohol, had trouble remembering the incident.

He said his client had the pet for four years prior to the outburst, but there had been no previous incidents of harm.

He said: “Two representatives from the SSPCA attended at his home and he was glad for that.

“They were checking on the welfare of the dog and wanted to see the two of them together.

“After the inspectors visited him, he was allowed to keep the dog as his pet.

“However, he was given advice regarding disciplining of the dog.

“Their biggest concern was the advice he had been given by other people.

“It was the wrong advice and what he did that day to the dog was clearly wrong.

“He has accepted that and he is embarrassed about what he did that day.”

Sheriff Lindsay Kooner had deferred sentencing Winters to call for background reports, as well as obtain information from SSPCA inspectors.

She told Winters it was a “serious offence” to cause an animal, especially his pet dog, “unnecessary suffering.”

She placed him on an electronic tag for 108 days, where he will have to remain indoors between 8.30pm and 7am. She also ordered that he be subject to mandatory supervision by the local authority for six months.

After studying the report from animal welfare inspectors, she permitted Winters to keep his dog.

Daily Record

Dogs

Ferguslie Park, Paisley: Owen Gillespie

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CONVICTED (2020) | Owen Anthony Gillespie, born 09/02/1979, of Westwood Gardens, Paisley PA3 1NA – left a desperately ill dog in agony and locked in a cage

Convicted dog abuser Owen Gillespie from Paisley, Renfrewshire

Gillespie failed to take his pet Staffy, Stella, to the vet to treat a chronic ear condition and an injured foot.

The nine-year-old dog was also suffering from a severe oesophageal condition which left her vomiting violently and in pain.

This resulted in her having to be euthanised by the Scottish SPCA as her condition was too severe to be treated.

The SSPCA attended at Gillespie’s home on April 25, 2019, after they received a call to say a dog could be heard screaming in pain at the property.

When they arrived around 10.45am they found the bull terrier vomiting in a cage in the living room and Gillespie told the officers she had been sick for a few days.

The court heard that Gillespie had not taken the dog to the vet as he couldn’t afford it.

Procurator fiscal depute Laura Wilcox said: “The SSPCA officer explained to Gillespie the reason for her visit and asked if she could view the dog.

“He agreed and invited her into the property where she saw the dog in a cage in the living room.

Staffy Stella, who was neglected by her owner to the extent that she had to be put to sleep

“The dog was in a good bodily condition and seemed bright but she was concerned because the flooring of the cage was covered in watery vomit and the dog was retching as if it was going to be sick.

“He informed the officer that she had eaten the outer covering of a tennis ball a few days prior.

“He let her out of the cage and the officer saw that the dog was lame on her right leg.”

Gillespie was told that the dog would have to receive treatment and that he would qualify for financial help from PDSA as he was unemployed.

It was once the dog was treated by the animal charity’s vet that the full extent of her condition was discovered.

Ms Wilcox added: “Her right front foot was inflamed and there was a nail that was loose. Both ear canals were inflamed, thickened, narrowed and were infected by bacteria and yeast. There was a smell coming from both ears.

“Her abdomen was tense and uncomfortable and it was found that her stomach wall was thickened and that her oesophagus was inflamed and flaccid.

“This meant it was ineffective at propelling food to her stomach.

“Her condition continued to worsen and she continued to vomit and at this point it was decided the best course of action was to euthanise her.”

The court heard the vet had concluded that if Gillespie had sought vet treatment for his dog within an appropriate time, he would have lessened the suffering.

However, prosecutors could not say whether the dog would have survived due to the severity of the stomach condition.

Staffy Stella, who was neglected by her owner to the extent that she had to be put to sleep

Gillespie pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his dog between February and April 2019 by failing to seek adequate care to treat an injured foot, persistent vomiting and an ear condition.

His lawyer, Amy Spencer said: “He has already paid a penalty in regards to this as he has lost his much-loved dog.

“This is a heartbreaking case for him. He is still completely traumatised.

“He is embarrassed by his actions and he knows he ought to have sought treatment for Stella. He has worked his whole adult life and recently lost his job.

“He really was hoping she would have made a recovery.”

Sentencing: ordered to pay a £500 fine. Banned from keeping dogs for just one year.

Daily Record

Animal Abandonment, Cats, Dogs, Multiple Species, Serial Animal Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Paisley, Renfrewshire: Ross Elliot

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CONVICTED (2020) | Ross Elliot, born 18 March 1983, previously of Mountainblue Street, Barrowfield, Glasgow G31 but has moved to Paisley – starved two cats and a dog to death

Serial animal abuser Ross Elliot previously of Barrowfield in Glasgow, now Paisley, Renfrewshire

Serial pet abuser Ross Elliot admitted causing unnecessary suffering to two cats he left to starve to death in his abandoned flat.

Elliot was previously convicted of cruelty after turning up to a vet with the corpse of an emaciated dog. For that offence he was fined £200 and given 12-month pet ban.

Body of cat starved to death by Ross Elliot

Horrified Scottish SPCA inspectors found the bodies of the cats, known as Cheeky and Chilli, curled up in a soiled litter tray and lying beside an empty food bowl.

Body of cat starved to death by Ross Elliot

Inspector Stacey Erwin said: “The cats’ bodies were emaciated and infested with fleas and maggots. Both weighed around 1.4kg — less than half the minimum you’d expect a healthy cat to weigh.

“Our vet concluded the cats likely died a slow and unpleasant death due to a mixture of dehydration and starvation.

“When we informed Elliot of what had happened, he app­eared completely disinterested and unaffected by the news.”

She added: “Three animals have died in Ross Elliot’s care through circumstances which would have been completely avoidable if he’d met their most basic needs of food and water.

“We believe he should have been given a lifetime ban as a minimum. It’s clear he is not fit to own or care for animals and the previous short-term ban did not act as a deterrent.”

Scottish SPCA teams monitored Elliot’s flat for days and noted no-one was attending to the female cats — despite the owner saying a pal was caring for them.

Officers posted food through the letterbox but when they gained entry they found Cheeky and Chilli couldn’t reach it as they had been locked away.

Empty food boxes, full bin bags and piles of unopened mail were also discovered inside.

They said the only water on offer was from an “extremely dirty, stagnant” mop bucket.

The Sun

Update

We are advised that Ross Elliot is living in Russell Street, Paisley PA3 2LP.

Dogs

Paisley, Renfrewshire: Danielle Brown

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CONVICTED (2017) | Danielle Elizabeth Brown (also known as Danielle Davidson), born 8 April 1986, of Dunlop Street, Linwood, Paisley PA3 3AL – starved pet dogs Shasta and Skylar and refused to take them to the vet.

Cruel single mother Danielle Brown from Linwood, Paisley, left these two dogs to starve and refused to take them to the vet.

Brown’s cruelty left seven-year-old Shasta in such a “terrible state” that a concerned vet felt there was no option but to put the animal to sleep.

The dogs were taken to the vet by investigators from the SSPCA following an anonymous tip-off that they were being neglected.

Investigators arrived at Brown’s home and took the animals away to have them examined.

Cruel dog abuser Danielle Brown from Linwood, Paisley

Shasta’s ribs, hips and spine could clearly be seen through his coat. He also had a fever and tests revealed he had become blind in one eye due to glaucoma.

Vets who examined two-year-old Skylar could also clearly see her ribs, hips and spine.

Single mother Brown pleaded guilty to neglecting both pets between February 27 and March 27, 2017, in breach of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Sentencing: 
Community Payback Order of 75 hours of unpaid work over three months. Banned from owning animals for just five years (expired November 2022). Deprivation order on the surviving dog, Skylar. 

Paisley Gazette

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Paisley, Renfrewshire: Thomas McLaughlin

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CONVICTED (2017) | Thomas McLaughlin, born January 1963, of West Campbell Street, Paisley PA1 2QN – left a poorly golden retriever to suffer with multiple ailments including arthritis and a skin condition

Animal cruelty: Thomas McLaughlin was convicted of causing his dog unnecessary suffering

Cruel Thomas McLaughlin pleaded guilty to charges of causing golden retriever Prince unnecessary suffering by omitting to take the dog to the vet between October 2016 and January 2017 for treatment.

He deliberately ignored Prince’s plight, even though the seven-year-old dog had lost most of his coat, was covered in sores, his paws were badly swollen, and he was constantly scratching patches of its hairless skin.

Fiscal depute Margaret McCallum told the court that an SSPCA inspector had attended McLaughlin’s property after an anonymous complaint about a neglected dog not receiving veterinary attention in respect of its ailments.

She said: “When admitted to the property, the inspector went into the living room where there was a golden retriever dog, normally called Prince, and he could clearly see it had a severe skin condition.

“His entire body was inflamed and red in colour. He was sparsely covered in hair. He had small spots and sores over his body.”

The court was told the room smelt “musky” and the animal could “barely stand” on his swollen paws. He limped slowly along and struggled to move his hind legs and fore legs. Prince also scratched incessantly at his skin.

A veterinary examination showed the dog weighed around 29 kilos and had a body condition scale of 1.5/5, where a scale of one is emaciated and five is obese.

McLaughlin admitted he hadn’t been to the vets for two-and-a-half years and the dog did not have any medication.

The inspector summoned another SSPCA officer to help him deal with Prince’s rescue in January 2017. Sadly he had to be euthanised due to the extent of his ailments which included osteoarthritis and dysplasia.

Sheriff James Spy told the accused he had caused “considerable distress” to the animal requiring the dog to be put down.

Sentencing: 
Fined £1,000. Banned from keeping dogs for 10 years (expires August 2027).

Daily Record

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Paisley, Renfrewshire: Alexander Arrol

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CONVICTED (2017) | Alexander David Arrol, born  23/06/1986, of Waverley Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire – threw a Jack Russell terrier named Max from the window of a second-floor flat, causing him to have a leg amputated

Animal abuser: Alexander Arrol from Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Soulless thug Alexander Arrol

The court heard that Arrol had been asked to leave a party a short time before launching his callous attack on the helpless dog. Max was taken for treatment to a local vet where he was found to have head trauma and wasn’t able to support weight on his right hind leg. The leg later had to be amputated.

Alexander Arrol's victim, Max, as a puppy. The little dog lost a leg in a mindless act of cruelty
Arrol’s victim, Max, as a puppy. The little dog lost a leg in a mindless act of cruelty

Arrol pleaded guilty to causing the dog unnecessary suffering, in breach of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, by throwing him through the window to his severe injury on February 27, 2017.

He also admitted a charge of culpably and recklessly breaking the window and throwing a television set and other unspecified items onto the street below.

Arrol’s lawyer told the court that his client – a career criminal with 55 previous convictions  – suffered from anxiety and depression.

Sentence: Arrol was jailed for 10 months for the offences, reduced from a year as he admitted his guilt.

The Gazette 28/05/2017