Tag Archives: South Lanarkshire

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Worst of the Worst

Hamilton, South Lanarkshire: Wilfried Vangenechten

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CONVICTED (2019) | breeder and kennel owner Wilfried Frederik Anna Vangenechten, born September 1959, of Avon Bridge Lodge, Old Avon Road, Ferniegair, Hamilton ML3 7UH – neglected dogs so badly they had to be put down.

Breeder Wilfried Vangenechten neglected dogs in his care
Breeder Wilfried Vangenechten neglected dogs in his care

Wilfried Vangenechten’s kennels business was raided by the Scottish SPCA responding to a tip-off about distressed animals being kept there. Officers discovered a total of 17 dogs including Cairn terriers, West Highland terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Schnauzers and Shih Tzus being kept in horrific conditions.

Dogs rescued from Will Vangenechten's kennels in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Dogs rescued from Will Vangenechten’s disgusting boarding/breeding kennels in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

Some of the dogs were underweight with matted fur and suffering skin complaints. Sadly four of the dogs were so poorly they had to be put to sleep.

Belgian national Vangenechten admitted causing the dogs unnecessary suffering between February and March 2019.

It also emerged that he was operating the business without an appropriate licence.

The sheriff banned him for five years and acknowledged that her decision would shut his business down but allowed him to keep a pet dog and a flock of chickens.

She added: “As I had indicated previously, I have considered all of the matters and information before the court and I have no option but to impose a disqualification order for a period of five years.

“The order will prohibit you keeping any animals apart from your pet dog and the six poultry birds, but you cannot deal, work with or take possession of animals over that period.

“I have given careful consideration to whether any other disposal would be appropriate but after considering all before me I’m not going to impose anything further.

“I acknowledge that the sentence of the court today will shut down your business and livelihood”.

Sentencing | banned from keeping animals for five years (expires October 2024).

Daily Record

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Larkhall, South Lanarkshire: Brian Smyth

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CONVICTED (2019) | Brian Smyth, born c. 1988, of Mason Street, Larkhall ML9 – failed to provide a dog with enough food and medical treatment.

Dog abuser: Brian Smyth from Larkhall, South Lanarkshire

Jobless Smyth, who has a previous conviction for assaulting a female, admitted neglecting the animal between April 1 and June 4, 2019.

The dog was found to be malnourished and injuries to her paws had not been treated.

A charge alleging that Smyth walked the dog excessively and dragged her repeatedly by the collar, causing injuries to her paws, was dropped.

Smyth further admitted stealing cables from Asda and shouting abuse and threats at police officers that day.

Sentencing: three months in jail and a two-year ban on keeping a dog (expired 2021).

Daily Record

Additional Information

We understand that Smyth may have moved out of Larkhall in May 2019 and may be living in Burnbank, Hamilton. He is said to be a bit of a drifter who moves around constantly.

Dog abuser: Brian Smyth from Larkhall, South Lanarkshire

He has apparently been in and out of jail for years, for all different offences. He has a lengthy criminal record, much of it involving violence against women. He also has drug and alcohol issues.

Dogs

Lanark, South Lanarkshire: Alexander Denholm

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CONVICTED (2019) | Alexander Isaac Denholm, born 6 July 1974, of Braxfield Terrace, Lanark ML11 9BZ – for starvation of a dog found in a skeletal condition.

Alec Denholm of Braxfield Terrace, Lanark starved his dog Marley and is now banned from keeping dogs for five years
Despite allowing Marley to get into this state, Denholm was only given a five-year ban on keeping dogs.

Denholm was prosecuted following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA. He pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable diet to nine-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog Marley.

Commenting on the case, inspector Heather Lawson said, “I responded to a call to our animal helpline on 8 April 2018 from a member of the public who was concerned about the welfare of a dog

Alec Denholm of Braxfield Terrace, Lanark starved his dog Marley and is now banned from keeping dogs for five years

“Upon arrival at the locus I met Marley, who despite being in an emaciated state was bright and alert and appeared friendly.

“I removed Marley from the address, with agreement from Denholm, and transported her to a vet for inspection.

“Upon veterinary examination, she was found to weigh just 12.4kg and was given a body condition score of 1-2 out of 5. There was also evidence of a skin disease on both back legs, possibly produced from self-trauma.

“When she was offered food at the time of the consultation, she ate it ravenously.

“It’s clear Marley suffered neglect over an extended period of time, comprising deprivation of the most basic requirements, namely food and water.

Despite her poor condition Marley was nursed back to health and rehomed by the SSPCA
Despite her poor condition Marley was nursed back to health and rehomed by the SSPCA

“Marley was taken to our centre in Lanarkshire where she received the care and attention she deserved. After gaining steady weight and being fully rehabilitated, Marley was rehomed to a loving family.

“This level of neglect didn’t happen overnight and could have been easily avoided. We are glad this sentence has been handed down and hope Denholm carefully considers his capability to care for animals in the future.”

Sentencing | £200 fine. Five-year ban on owning dogs (expires July 2024).

Scottish SPCA News

Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species, Reptiles / Exotics, Worst of the Worst

Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire: Mia Connor

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CONVICTED (2019) | Mia Beth Connor, born 21 December 1997, formerly of ‘Rockhampton Avenue, Westwood, East Kilbride, and now of Greenfaulds Crescent, Cumbernauld G67 2PJ – for the shocking neglect of cats, dogs and lizards.

Presa Canario cross Hulk had been locked in a room by his irresponsible owner Mia Connor now of Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire
Presa Canario cross Hulk had been locked in a room by his irresponsible owner Mia Connor

An investigation by the Scottish SPCA found that single mother-of-one Mia Connor had kept her animals in atrocious conditions and deprived them of food and water.

By the time the SSPCA attended Connor’s then property in Westwood, East Kilbride, a bearded dragon and gecko had already died a slow and miserable death. Their decomposed and dessicated bodies were found in an unlit and unheated vivarium. A surviving dragon named Cheech was found to be suffering severe dehydration and hypothermia.

Connor had failed to feed other pets properly, including cats Nemo and MJ, a collie named Luka and a Presa Canario cross called Hulk. Luka especially was very underweight

Foul conditions at the property in which animal abuser Mia Connor kept dogs, cats and lizards
Foul conditions at the property in which animal abuser Mia Connor kept dogs, cats and lizards

SSPCA inspector Jack Marshall described being met with “an overpowering smell of faeces and urine” as he entered Connor’s property which was strewn with rubbish and faeces.

Foul conditions at the property in which animal abuser Mia Connor kept dogs, cats and lizards

Inspector Marshall continued: “Hulk was contained in a bedroom upstairs and when I entered, he was desperate to get out of the room. He was also in a very lean body condition. This room had an overwhelming stench of excrement and urine.

“The animals were transported immediately to the vet and upon examination all were found to be emaciated and dehydrated. Both dogs were given a body score of 2/5. Hulk had a very marked and generalised skin disease which appeared to have had very little treatment. Luka’s coat was in very poor condition and smelled strongly of urine.

“Both cats had evidence of flea infestation.

“Veterinary examination found this to be marked neglect over an extended period of time, for all of the animals, comprising deprivation of the most basic requirements for life, namely food and water. The timescale involved can’t be given precisely but would be expected to be over several weeks.

“Failing to provide for these animals clearly resulted in an unacceptable degree of unnecessary suffering and stress to all the animals involved.”

Connor pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals but was let off with a paltry fine and a five-year ban on keeping animals.

Sentencing | £600 fine. Banned from keeping animals for just five years (expires February 2024).

Daily Record

Cats, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Kirkmuirhill, South Lanarkshire: Stefan Zelan

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CONVICTED (2019) | Stefan Zelan, born July 1983, of Hope Road, Kirkmuirhill, Lanark ML11 – failed to seek veterinary treatment for his cat’s broken leg

Animal abuser: Stefan Zelan from Kirkmuirhill, Lanark, South Lanarkshire

Zelan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment for his cat’s broken leg under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Section 19(2)(a)(b).

Mistreated cat Bonnie had to have her leg amputated
Bonnie was found with an unexplained leg injury which her owner Stefan Zelan failed to treat

Commenting on the investigation and court case, inspector Emma Sergeant said, “The charge was dealt as Zelan failed to provide veterinary treatment to his cat, Bonnie.

“Bonnie, a black and white domestic long haired type cat, was found to be suffering from a broken leg that had been left untreated by her owner.

“Upon veterinary examination, x-rays showed that the fracture had started to heal and was unfortunately not able to be fixed. The decision was taken for her leg to be amputated.

“Thankfully, she made a full recovery, is pain free and is coping well on three legs.

“She will be transferred to one of our rescue centres where she will stay until she finds her new, loving forever home.

“I am happy that the courts have dealt with this case and the sentence passed down. Bans send an important message that owning an animal is a privilege rather than a right.”

Sentencing: 18-month community payback order. Three-year ban from owning or keeping animals (expired 2022).

Scottish SPCA News

Dogs

Hamilton, South Lanarkshire: Juliet Watson

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CONVICTED (2018) | Juliet S Watson, born 2 August 1976, previously of Lime Grove, Methil, Fife but moved to Blantyre and then Hamilton, South Lanarkshire* –  badly neglected three dogs in her care and exposed them to urine, faeces and domestic debris in her filthy home.

Juliet Watson, now of Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, neglected three helpless dogs
Juliet Watson, now of Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, neglected three helpless dogs

Watson admitted causing unnecessary suffering to German Shepherd Sasha, Doberman Casper and Rottweiler Diesel between June and September in 2016.

The then 42-year-old, who now lives in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, also admitted tying one of the dog’s legs to her neck to restrict her movement – a practice known as “hobbling”.

She pled guilty and was sentenced at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on November 1, 2018, following a probe by the animal welfare charity.

Scottish SPCA Senior Inspector Steven Gray said: “These charges were dealt as Watson failed to provide suitable diet and meet the needs of the three dogs in her care, Diesel, a three year old male Rottweiler, Casper a two year old male Doberman and Sasha a one year old female German shepherd.

Sasha had overgrown claws due to Juliet Watson's appalling neglect of her and two other dogs
Sasha had overgrown claws due to Juliet Watson’s appalling neglect of her and two other dogs

“Upon veterinary examination, all three dogs were noted to be obviously underweight, with body scores of 1/9, all weighing half of what is healthy for their breed.

“All three were found to have overgrown nails.

“A bandage was removed from Sasha’s front leg, once the tangled bandage was removed no evidence of an injury either recent or previously healed could be found.

“It is possible she may have been hobbled to restrict movement.

“Diesel, Casper and Sasha were taken to one of our centres where they received care and an appropriate diet. Once they fully recovered we found them loving forever homes.

“I’m happy the courts have dealt with this case, however it further highlights our push for tougher and more consistent sentencing.

“This level of neglect didn’t happen overnight and could have easily been avoided.”

Sentencing | 12 months’ supervision. Banned  from keeping animals for 10 years (expires November 2028).

Scottish SPCA
Courier

Additional Information

*Address as of June 2022:

Cameron Crescent
HAMILTON
ML3 6NX

Dogs, Lifers

Wishaw, North Lanarkshire: Robert Cook

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CONVICTED (2018) | Robert Cook, born 25/09/1959, previously of Graham Street, Wishaw ML2 8HR and more recently Parks View, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire ML3 7SW – left a Westie to suffer with multiple health problems.

Dog abuser Robert Cook failed to take Bonnie to the vet for her skin condition

Cook pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the West Highland Terrier called Bonnie under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Commenting on the case, Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson said: “This charge was dealt as Cook failed to provide veterinary treatment to Bonnie who, upon vet examination, was found to have an atopic skin disease, infected ear canals and gingivitis.

“She had very little hair covering any part of her body, the small amount of hair that was present was matted and her skin was severely inflamed, sore, greasy, and covered with scabs and sores.

“Bonnie was taken to one of our centres where she received various, ongoing veterinary treatments. To date she continues to improve and is bright, alert and happy to interact with the staff. Her skin is not painful, but will continue to be treated since her skin condition is chronic.

“We welcome the fact that Mr Cook has pled guilty in court and the sentence handed down. This is a hugely positive step forward for animal welfare.”

Sentence: £300 fine and lifetime ban.

GlasgowLive

Dogs

Hamilton, South Lanarkshire: Gail Gartshore

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CONVICTED (2018) | Gail Gartshore, born c. 1969, of Farm Road, Hamilton ML3 – left her elderly dog suffering with large tumour

Gail Gartshore failed to seek veterinary treatment for her dog Paddy's many health issues
Gail Gartshore failed to seek veterinary treatment for her dog Paddy’s many health issues

Gartshore pleaded  guilty to failing to seek advice from a vet for her dog Paddy’s multiple health issues including a large growth on his head.

Emma Sergeant, Scottish SPCA inspector, said: “Paddy had a large facial tumour which covered a significant section of his head.

“There was a complete disregard for any basic grooming as his coat was matted to the point that he had extreme difficulty walking and couldn’t even see.

“Paddy’s body condition was so striking and distinct to the point that any dog owner should have recognised the urgent need for veterinary attention.

“Sadly, as Paddy’s condition had developed into such a state, the decision was made, by a veterinary professional, that the kindest thing was to put him to sleep.

“We welcome the fact that Gartshore has been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down. We hope she will give serious consideration about her suitability to care for other animals in the future.”

Sentencing | £220 fine. Three-year ban on keeping animals.

GlasgowLive

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

Larkhall, South Lanarkshire: John Mooney

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CONVICTED (2017) | John Meiklejohn Mooney, born 8 January 1980, of Balfour Wynd, Larkhall ML9 2LT – mistreated a dog who had to be put to sleep

Dogkiller John Mooney from Larkhall
John Mooney

When rescued the Dalmatian, known as Marley, was severely underweight with his skeleton prominent through his skin. He also had pressure sores on his limbs and went on to develop severe behavioural issues because of his treatment by his previous owner, John Mooney. Very sadly the Scottish SPCA had no choice but to put him to sleep as he wasn’t safe to rehome.

Dalmatian Marley, who suffered maltreatment at the hands of John Mooney from Larkhall, Scotland
Malnourished Dalmatian Marley was skin and bone. Although he put on weight in the care of the SSPCA he had to be euthanised after becoming aggressive.

In court, Mooney pleaded guilty to causing the dog unnecessary suffering by failing to provide him with a suitable nutritional diet between September 21 and October 21, 2016. Despite the cruelty involved, Mooney was only given a two-year ban on keeping animals. This expired in 2019.

Speaking about the case SSPCA Inspector Heather Lawson said: “Marley was severely underweight with his hip bones and ribs easily visible. A dog of this type, sex and age should weigh in the region of 25-35kgs, whereas Marley weighed only 17.6kgs.

“Marley also had pressure sores on his front feet and left hind leg and cowered away when approached too quickly. Sadly, as Marley started putting on weight, other problems developed. He was showing increasingly aggressive tendencies, to the point that he was no longer able to be handled by trained staff members.

“The difficult decision was made by a vet to put him to sleep as Marley would have been a serious risk to members of the public in a home environment.”

Inspector Lawson added: “Whilst we are pleased that Mooney has been dealt with by the courts, we currently feel sentencing for animal abuse is very inconsistent in Scotland and we would like to see an increase in the maximum jail sentence which would provide the sheriff with a greater range of options.

“We hope Mooney will give serious consideration to his ability to care for animals in the future.”

Sentencing: 150-hour community payback order. Two-year ban from keeping, owning or being in charge of any animals (expired 2019).

Daily Record
Glasgow Times

animal fighting / baiting, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Larkhall, South Lanarkshire: Jordan Steel

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CONVICTED (2017) | Jordan Steel, born 17 February 1993, of West Clyde Street, Larkhall ML9 2PW – mistreated eight dogs kept in outdoor kennels at his home

Jordan Steel

Barbaric wildlife persecutor Jordan Steel failed to provide adequate care and treatment for his ‘working’ dogs – which included lurchers, Patterdale terrier-type dogs and spaniels – between March 7 and April 22, 2016.

Neglected and starved dogs rescued from Jordan Steel
A lurcher cross called Blitz , Saluki cross called Cindy and a Spaniel called Levi were all rescued from evil Jordan Steel by the Scottish SPCA.

The dogs suffered from weight loss, flea infestation, mite infection, ear wax, hair loss and skin conditions.

Steel admitted a charge contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

It stated that Steel had failed to take steps to ensure that the needs of the animals were met and that he had failed to provide the animals with a suitable diet.

Jordan Steel

An undercover Scottish SPCA inspector, who had attended at Steel’s home, this week spoke about what was discovered at his home, saying: “When we visited the property it was clear that all eight dogs were underweight, with a number of them scoring a one – the lowest score – on a body conditioning scoring system.

“The dogs required treatment for chronic skin conditions and flea infestation, which they weren’t receiving.

“Steel has been banned from owning dogs for the next five years.

“However the court has allowed that he will at times be required to provide exercise for his mother’s dog that still resides at the property.

“We’re pleased the courts have handed down this sentence and hope that Steel seriously considers his suitability to own and care for animals in the future.”

The charge had originally stated that Steel had also failed to provide the dogs with appropriate and adequate nutrition whereby the dogs lost body weight and became emaciated. However, mention of this was deleted from the charge.

Sentencing: 100 hours’ unpaid work (reduced from 15 hours due to his guilty pleas) within six months as an alternative to custody. Five year ban on keeping dogs (expired March 2022).

Daily Record