Tag Archives: South Lanarkshire

East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire: Bill Scott

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.

Animal abuser William Scott from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. Image: Facebook

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.

Pets neglected by William Scott from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Scotland

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).

Daily Record
Glasgow Times

Blantyre, South Lanarkshire: Lisa Barrett

CONVICTED (2023) | Lisa Barrett, born 15 October 1983, from Blantyre – failed to seek veterinary treatment for her American XL bully puppy after the dog’s ears were illegally cropped.

Blantyre woman Lisa Barrett had her puppy's ears illegally cropped

Barrett was fined £300 after the puppy, Karma, was found to have undergone the brutal procedure.

She pleaded guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday 31 July 2023.

Blantyre woman Lisa Barrett had her puppy's ears illegally cropped. Pictured is the puppy Karma

An investigation by the Scottish SPCA found Karma’s ears had been mutilated two or three weeks before she was found and her stitches had recently been removed by someone who was not a vet.

Blantyre woman Lisa Barrett had her puppy's ears illegally cropped. Pictured is the puppy Karma

A Scottish SPCA investigator said: “We attended a premises in Blantyre on 16 August 2022 and found Karma, an American XL bully puppy, at the property with cropped ears.

“We immediately removed the dog due to concerns for her welfare. It was determined by a vet that the ear cropping would have taken place around two to three weeks prior.

“This illegal procedure would have caused Karma considerable pain and discomfort for purely cosmetic reasons. In the UK, as ear cropping is a prohibited procedure, any operation is also unlikely to be carried out with appropriate anaesthetic or pain relief.

Blantyre woman Lisa Barrett had her puppy's ears illegally cropped.

“Barrett did not take Karma to see a veterinary surgeon after the illegal procedure had been carried out and, even then, she was taken to the veterinary clinic for her vaccinations and not for her ears.

“While we’re pleased Barrett was fined we’re extremely disappointed that she was not given a ban on keeping animals. The cruelty involved in ear cropping is horrific and we feel the sentence should reflect that.”

Sentencing | £300 fine and no ban.

Daily Record

Hamilton, South Lanarkshire: Brendan Marshall

CONVICTED (2022) | Brendan Robert Marshall, born 13 December 2000, of 43 Donaldson Street, Hamilton ML3 0NT – left a cat to die in agony after he hurled him to the ground in a fit of rage.

Marshall screamed that “fucking cat has pissed everywhere” before he grabbed the pet by the scruff of the neck. He then launched him out of the living room into the hallway. The cat, named Shiro, let out a loud ‘miaow’ as he hit the ground but then lay ‘lifeless’ on the floor.

Callous Marshall then left Shiro lying and went to bed with his partner. But when she awoke she found the injured animal was still lying in agony and a vet was phoned. The couple went to the surgery where they were told Shiro had suffered a head injury and had high blood pressure.

Despite the best effort of the vet Shiro was put down and police were called in.

When he was charged, Marshall replied: “I’m sorry.”

Marshall admitted causing the cat unnecessary suffering in April 2022 and was banned from keeping animals for five years.

Marshall was due to face a further sentencing hearing on 26 July 2022 but the details have not yet been published.

Glasgow Live 12 July 2022


Dolphinton, South Lanarkshire: Paul Ritchie

CONVICTED (2022) | Paul William Maciver Ritchie, born June 1986, of Grange Cottage, Dolphinton, West Linton EH46 7HH – kicked a stranger’s dog causing fatal injuries.

Headcase Paul Ritchie and victim Maya
Violent headcase Paul Ritchie and victim Maya

Ritchie, who runs a property website named Snapr UK, brandished a paintball gun at a woman out walking her dog with four children while screaming abuse. He then kicked the dog – an elderly Staffy named Maya – causing her to fly across the pavement. Tragically, Maya was so badly injured, she had to be put to sleep.

The woman, who has since moved away from Dolphinton, told the court she was convinced Ritchie had a real weapon and couldn’t believe what was happening as she took the youngsters for a Sunday morning stroll with her dog.

The incident sparked a major police armed response and saw Ritchie hauled before the courts, where he admitted culpably and recklessly discharging a paintball gun in the direction of the woman and four children.

He also admitted causing the dog unnecessary suffering and assaulting two police officers.

Thug Ritchie was previously jailed for 12 months in June 2021 for sending what a judge described as “vile” emails to politicians, including threats of shooting and ­decapitation.

His victims included former House of Commons speaker John Bercow, ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, former home secretary Amber Rudd and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.

Sheriff Hughes deferred sentence on Ritchie until July 2022 for background reports, including an assessment of his mental health.

Bail was continued.

Daily Record

Carluke, South Lanarkshire: David McStay

CONVICTED (2022) | wildlife persecutor David Andrew McStay, born 28 July 1988, of 2 Eastfield Road, Carluke ML8 4PA failed to provide adequate veterinary treatment for an elderly lurcher.

David McStay. Picture: Facebook.
Lamper McStay only received a paltry fine and wasn’t banned from keeping animals despite his cruelty to his senior dog.

McStay, whose Facebook ‘likes’ include multiple lamping and so-called pest control groups, was prosecuted for animal cruelty following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

He pleaded guilty for failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment for a 13-year-old lurcher named Cassie.

Rescued Cassie
Cassie had to have 16 teeth removed after being badly neglected by her lamper owner.

Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson said, “On 18 November 2020 we attended an address in Carluke following a call to our helpline from a member of the public who was concerned about several dogs at the property.

“When the dogs were examined by our veterinary staff it was discovered that one of the dogs, a 13-year-old lurcher named Cassie, had severe periodontal disease, pyorrhoea and thick calculus, which would have caused her significant suffering for around one year.

“The dental disease was so severe that the dog required a surgical procedure as a matter of urgency to address these conditions. In total Cassie had 16 teeth extracted.

David McStay with partner Jean Totton. Picture: Facebook.
McStay with partner Jean Totten, who also lives at the property where the dogs were kept but wasn’t prosecuted.

“McStay claimed to be unaware of Cassie’s condition but any person responsible for the day to day care of this dog would have been able to smell the disease.

“A responsible owner would have sought medical treatment much more promptly and Cassie need not have suffered due to such poor husbandry.

“Although we’re glad that McStay has received a fine we would have liked him to receive a ban on keeping animals due to the disregard he showed for Cassie’s well-being in this case.

“We hope he seriously reconsiders his ability to care for any animal in future.

Scottish SPCA News
Daily Record

Blantyre, South Lanarkshire: John Campbell

CONVICTED (2021) | John Campbell of 75 Auchentibber Court, Blantyre G72 0YF – starved and neglected a dog who had to be put to sleep.

Dog killer John Campbell  aka Soup the DJ from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Dog killer John Campbell aka Soup the DJ and his emaciated victim, Rambo

Campbell pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment and a nutritionally adequate diet for his crossbreed rescue dog, Rambo, claiming he had no money for vet bills.

Dog killer John Campbell  aka DJ Soup from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Sian Robertson, said, “On 18 January, 2021 we received a call to our animal helpline about a dog who was ‘skin and bones’ with his rib, spine and hip bones protruding.

Dog killer John Campbell aka Soup the DJ and his emaciated victim, Rambo
2022 image of dog killer John Campbell

“After multiple visits, we finally met Campbell at his property in Blantyre on 26 January. We were advised that Rambo was no longer in the care of Campbell, as he had signed him over in the last few days to the animal charity that he had rehomed him from.

“When Rambo was examined at the veterinary hospital he was found to be in a horrific state, and given a body condition score of one. This is the lowest possible score meaning he was extremely emaciated.

“Campbell had disclosed that Rambo had stopped eating in July 2020, and it is believed that he had gone in to kidney failure as a result.

“He was just 15.6kg, meaning he had lost 14.2kg since he was last weighed at the end of 2018.

“Sadly, due to the extent of his malnutrition and Campbell’s failure to seek veterinary attention Rambo was put to sleep on veterinary advice.

“I could not believe the condition Rambo was in. He is the most emaciated dog I have seen so far in my career and he undoubtedly suffered.

“His rib cage protruded so much that you could count every single rib in his body, and it was an extremely distressing sight that I will never forget.

“It is unimaginable how Campbell could live with Rambo and not think to seek urgent veterinary advice.

Rambo was starved to death by his despicable owner, John Campbell aka DJ Soup, from Blantyre
Rambo was starved to death by his despicable owner, John Campbell

“This poor dog also had alopecia on his neck, thinning fur on his legs, tail and underside, and severely overgrown nails indicating that he was not walked very often.

“Campbell completely failed his dog, and caused him an unnecessary amount of suffering over a prolonged period of time.”

Sentencing: £1000 fine and three-year ban (expires September 2024).

Daily Record
Scottish SPCA News

Additional Information

Campbell works as a tax driver with Hastie Cars Ltd.

He is also a part-time mobile DJ, operating under the name ‘Ian’s Discos – Soup the DJ‘.

Larkhall, South Lanarkshire: Kevin Hunter

CONVICTED (2021) | Kevin Hunter, born 10 September 1967, of 1 Tweed Street, Larkhall ML9 1HR – failed to get medical treatment for his severely injured dog.

Border collie Glenn, aged 1,  was subjected to ‘unimaginable pain and suffering’ after his cruel owner Kevin Hunter failed to get him treatment for an infected head wound.
Border collie Glenn, aged 1, was subjected to ‘unimaginable pain and suffering’ after his cruel owner Kevin Hunter failed to get him treatment for an infected head wound.

Hunter admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a one-year-old border collie named Glenn.

Scottish SPCA officers attended Hunter’s home in Larkhall in July 2020 amid concerns Glenn had been injured by another dog. But when they examined him, they could see that an elastic band had been wrapped tightly around his head and throat and then left there for so long that it had become embedded.

When confronted over the horrific wound, Hunter initially claimed the injury had occurred the previous day, before feigning ignorance of it completely.

But SSPCA inspector Jack Marshall said ‘the wounds on Glenn’s head were immediately visible’.

He continued: ‘Hunter was vague about when the wounds had occurred, initially claiming the incident happened the day before our visit and then a few days before.

‘When we removed Glenn for veterinary treatment, on closer examination we were shocked to see the full extent of his wounds and the elastic band embedded in his head.’

Mr Marshal said the vet guessed Glenn had been left like that ‘for closer to two weeks due to the extent of the damage’ and the infection, adding: ‘This would have caused Glenn unimaginable pain and suffering.

‘Hunter later claimed he was unaware that his dog had any injury until we visited.

‘The wounds were clearly visible on Glenn’s head and any reasonable owner would have been aware that he needed medical attention.

‘We are still unclear how or why the elastic band came to be on his head at all.’

In court Hunter also admitted breaching a non-harassment order designed to keep him away from his former partner and failing to comply with three community payback orders.

Defence agent Stephen McQuillan said his client has a “chronic” alcohol problem.

He urged Sheriff Douglas Brown not to jail him, adding: “He needs help.”
But the sheriff said the “accumulation of matters” meant prison was inevitable.

He stated: “There is a very unfavourable criminal justice social work report.

“He tries to minimise his involvement. Essentially there is no option but custody.”

Hunter was jailed for a total of 10 months, including two months for neglecting his dog.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector Sarah Gregory welcomed the sentence.

She said: “We hope he seriously reconsiders his ability to are for any animal in future.

Glenn made good progress over the following weeks and was rehomed once his wounds had healed.

Sentencing 10-month custodial sentencing including two months for the cruelty charge. Banned from keeping any animal for five years (expires May 2026).

Daily Record
Metro

Strathaven, South Lanarkshire: Martin Stewart

#MostEvil | Martin Stewart, born c. 1988, of Rokeby Crescent, Strathaven ML10 6EG – put a dog in a headlock, hanged him from a door handle and stabbed him twice in the abdomen with a knife

Martin Stewart from Strathaven, Scotland, UK, subjected black Lab Fergus to a frenzied attack
Musician Stewart subjected black Lab Fergus to a frenzied attack which the dog miraculously survived

Twisted Martin Stewart, a musician in a band called Another Filthy Weekend as well as a hairdresser and personal trainer, carried out the horrific attack on his partner Kelly Steedman’s Labrador, Fergus.

Animal abuser: Martin Stewart from Strathaven, South Lanarkshire, Scotland

The brute pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour and causing the dog unnecessary suffering and assault.

The court heard how Fergus survived the ordeal after receiving emergency treatment following the bloodbath.

Would-be dog killer Martin Stewart from Strathaven
Stewart is founder and singer with an up-coming band Another Filthy Weekend

Depute fiscal Jennifer Cunningham said: “On the day libelled both parties retired to bed after being outside for the NHS clap and were in the company of pet dog Fergus.

“Both the accused and the complainer fell asleep and at some point she woke up and went downstairs.

“While she was downstairs she heard a squealing noise and ran back upstairs and found the accused with the pet dog in a headlock.

“He was applying pressure to the dog’s neck and described the dog’s eyes as rolling to the back of its head. She attempted to pull the dog away from the accused and break his grip.

Would-be dog killer Martin Stewart from Strathaven

“The dog ran from the room but she was unable to calm the accused who ran downstairs and put a dog chain around its neck and tied the other end on the handle of the front door.

“He then pulled the chain to the ground resulting in the dog being lifted off the ground and suspended by its neck.

“The witness placed her arms under the dog in a bid to release the pressure while screaming for him to stop what he was doing and noted the dog was choking.”

Animal abuser: Martin Stewart from Strathaven, South Lanarkshire, Scotland

Miss Cunningham added: “She opened the door and went outside to phone 999 but saw the accused with a kitchen knife stab the dog twice in the abdomen.

“The witness intervened and attempted to wrestle the knife from the accused but the accused then stabbed himself in the neck.”

Animal abuser Martin Stewart from Strathaven, Scotland UK

The prosecutor also told how when police arrived Stewart told them “I’m God. I’m being commanded to kill you, you have come here to die demon” before making threats and lashing out at them.

Hairdresser Kelly Steedman is standing by Stewart despite him almost killing her dog. She even lodged a letter of support with the court.

Martin Stewart pictured outside court

Stewart’s lawyer said his client was examined by a psychiatrist and was found fit to plead to the charges.

After studying a criminal justice social work report, Sheriff Thomas Millar told Stewart: “This was a bizarre episode.

“You have made good progress addressing your issues since, but I want to ensure that continues through an extended period of supervision.”

Sentencing: two-year supervision order and no ban or deprivation order for Fergus.

GlasgowLive
Daily Record
The Sun

Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire: Catherine Thomson

CONVICTED (2021) | Catherine Louise Thomson, born c. 1992, previously of Slenavon Avenue, Springhall, Rutherglen (current address tbc) – left a property, leaving her pet dog behind with no food or water

Catherine Thomson moved house and left her dog behind to starve in squalor
Catherine Thomson moved house and left her dog behind to starve in squalor


Thomson pleaded guilty to the unnecessary suffering of her two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier and was banned from keeping animals for just three years.

When the dog, known as Harvey, was found alone in the abandoned property he was on the brink of death.

Vets described Harvey's condition as the worst case of starvation they'd ever seen
Vets described Harvey’s condition as the worst case of starvation they’d ever seen
Vets said Harvey was 48 hours from death when he was rescued
Vets said Harvey was 48 hours from death when he was rescued

He weighed just over 10kg when he should have been 17kg.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stacey Erwin said: “In April 2019, we received a report from a member of the public who became concerned for a dog, we later found to be Harvey, within Thomson’s address.

“Despite attempts to contact Thomson and gain entry to the property we were unable to do so. On the second visit I looked through the letterbox and saw Harvey shakily make his way to the door.

“He was clearly emaciated with his spine, ribs and hip bones all protruding and I had immediate concerns for his welfare.

“When we gained entry to the property, there was litter strewn throughout the flat and there was dog urine and faeces all over the floor.

“It was no place for human or animal to live. We also found there was no food or water left out for Harvey.

“We later discovered that Thomson had vacated the address and had left Harvey behind.

“Harvey seemed happy to see us but he was unsteady and severely emaciated. He had no fat covering and no muscle mass and his bones were clearly visible.

“I immediately offered him food which he ate ravenously. He was struggling to stand so I transported him in to my van and took him for urgent veterinary attention.

“Upon examination, the vet told us this was the worst case of emaciation they had seen in the 13 years they had been practicing.

“Harvey was given the lowest possible body score of 1/10 where 1 is emaciated, 5 is ideal condition and 10 is obese.

“It would have taken a considerable period of time for Harvey to reach the condition he was in and would have caused him unnecessary suffering over a significant period of time.

“The vet also told us that Harvey would not have survived for more than a couple of days if he had not been seized.”

Harvey has come on leaps and bounds in the SSPCA's care and is now in a loving home
Harvey has come on leaps and bounds in the SSPCA’s care and is now in a loving home

Since recovering, Harvey has found a loving home after he went into a rehoming centre.

Despite her callous disregard for the welfare of a helpless dog evil Catherine Thomson received a mere three-year ban on keeping animals
Despite her callous disregard for the welfare of a helpless dog evil Catherine Thomson received a mere three-year ban on keeping animals

Inspector Erwin continued: “After the necessary treatment, I took Harvey to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres. We are so pleased that in our care he went from strength-to-strength through receiving the correct diet and attention from our expert staff.

“He quickly gained weight and has since found his loving forever home.

“Despite this happy ending, Harvey would have been caused to suffer considerably in becoming this thin and living in the awful conditions at Thomson’s property.

“While we are pleased Thomson received the ban, we are disappointed Thomson was admonished of the initial charge.

“Thomson demonstrated that she was unable to provide Harvey with even the most basic of care and showed a complete disregard for his welfare by moving out of her property and leaving him behind.

“We hope Thomson will carefully consider her ability to look after any animal in the future.

“This case just shows the urgency of reporting concerns to us as Harvey may have passed away if he had been left any longer.”

Sentencing: admonished for failing to provide an adequate diet or veterinary care for Harvey. Three-year disqualification order (expires March 2024).

Daily Record
The Sun

Biggar, South Lanarkshire: Violet Johnston

CONVICTED (2020) | Violet Johnston, born 31 January 1971, of Knocklea, Biggar ML12 6EG – for starving her pet dog and failing to treat her painful ear infection; dog put to sleep

Dog abuser Violet Johnston from Biggar, South Lanarkshire
Dog abuser Violet Johnston from Biggar, South Lanarkshire

Johnston was charged with failing to provide an adequate diet for the eight-year-old dog named Picco and for failing to seek veterinary treatment for her.

The court heard how a Scottish SPCA inspector found Picco and another Boxer named Boe in a large dog crate in the kitchen. Picco was in a very poor condition, weighing just 13.54kg, which is almost half the recommended weight for a dog of her breed. She was very thin and her spine was visibly protruding.

Tragic Boxer Picco was put to sleep on humane grounds after being neglected by her owner, Violet Johnston
Tragic Boxer Picco was put to sleep on humane grounds after being neglected by her owner, Violet Johnston

The dogs and two cats were removed from Johnston’s address and taken into the SSPCA’s care. A third cat was outside at the time.

Scottish SPCA inspector Sian Robertson said, “It was clear that Picco needed immediate veterinary treatment. Her frame was incredibly lean. When she was offered food, she gobbled it up as if she was starving.

“This shows that there was no health issue interfering with Picco’s ability to put on weight. When she received regular food in our care, she gained weight easily.

Tragic Boxer Picco was put to sleep on humane grounds after being neglected by her owner, Violet Johnston

“On veterinary examination, Picco’s body score was given as 1/5 where five is top condition.

“She was found to have a mammary mass and an ear infection that was causing inflammation and infection, causing pain and discharge from her ears. The smell was obvious and pungent.

“It was clear to our team that Picco needed urgent care and treatment. The fact the health issues and starved frame were not picked up by Johnston shows how incapable she was of providing Picco with the care she needed.

“The saddest thing about this case is that Picco had to be euthanised for an unrelated health issue. She had marked spondylosis at several points along her spine which was having an effect on her quality of life, as well as having several other chronic degenerative conditions.

“Sadly, the vets made the decision that the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep to end further suffering.”

Sentencing: six-month community payback supervision order. two-year-ban on keeping animals (expired January 2022).

EdinburghLive