Tag Archives: Tayside–Central and Fife

animal fighting / baiting, Cats, Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Bathgate, West Lothian: Kevin Vivers

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CONVICTED (2024) | Kevin Vivers, born 1965, with a last known address of Dalling Avenue, Bathgate EH48 2SB – for a catalogue of animal cruelty offences, rapes and sexual assaults over 36 years.

Serial rapist and animal killer Kevin Vivers from Bathgate, West Lothian, was given a life sentence

Vivers originally denied a series of charges, but was convicted of 27 crimes, including five animal cruelty offences alongside nine rape charges, seven assaults, and four sexual assaults.

His crimes in West Lothian and Stirlingshire spanned from when he was still a teenager in 1985 until 2021.

Vivers killed animals and subjected seven female victims, including a minor aged 13/14, to assaults, sexual assaults and rapes.

Serial rapist and animal killer Kevin Vivers from Bathgate, West Lothian, was given a life sentence

His first episode of animal cruelty was in 1985 when he began repeatedly punching a dog and kicking a cat.

In or around 2012 he attacked two dogs by lifting them by their collars, hitting them with sticks and kicking them.

In or around 1993 in Bathgate he killed two dogs by shooting one animal and slitting the throat of the other.

Vivers also apparently used dogs to hunt rabbits, deer and foxes and also allegedly drowned dogs.

Serial rapist and animal killer Kevin Vivers from Bathgate, West Lothian, was given a life sentence

A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh imposed a lifelong restriction order on Vivers and said he must serve a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Lord Lake told Vivers: “I must make it clear this does not mean you will be released automatically at the end of that period.”

He told the sex offender he would only ever be freed from jail if parole authorities were satisfied his release would not endanger public safety.

Expert reports prepared on Vivers concluded that he presented a high risk.

Lord Lake told him: “Your offences are of a serious kind, even when taken individually. When considered together they show a depraved course of conduct.”

He told the court via a video link to prison: “I have been penalised for something that is well and truly unproved.”

Serial rapist and animal killer Kevin Vivers from Bathgate, West Lothian, was given a life sentence

Det Ch Insp Steven McMillan said: “This was a difficult case due to the horrendous nature of Vivers’s crimes and the sickening animal abuse, which spanned so many years.

“I want to make it clear to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse that there is no time limit on when you can report these crimes. I would encourage any victims to come forward and report it to police.”

Vivers has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Lord Lake also made orders prohibiting Vivers from directly or indirectly contacting his victims.

Sentencing | lifelong restriction order with minimum 10 years to be served behind bars.

BBC News

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Dunfermline, Fife: Stuart Connolly

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CONVICTED (2023) | Stuart Connolly, born c. 1991, of Headwell Avenue, Dunfermline KY12 0JY but with family links to the Fife village of Oakley- “accidentally stood” on his puppy and left her with an untreated broken leg for days.

Animal abuser and junkie Stuart Connolly from Dunfermline, Fife, pictured outside court
Stuart Connolly pictured outside court. Photo credit: Courier

Persistent petty criminal Connolly’s unnamed Staffy-type pup was only taken to the vet after police went to his house with a search warrant on February 21, 2022.

He was caught that day with more than 10g of heroin at his Headwell Avenue home.

He appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing, having earlier admitted drug possession and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animal were met to the extent required by good practice.

Prosecutor Laura McManus told the court police went to Connolly’s home to execute a search warrant and found it in disarray.

Officers found a very small puppy resembling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who seemed to be walking irregularly, with her right hip protruding.

The fiscal said: “When asked about the pup he stated he stood on it accidentally about five days ago and intended getting it to the vet at some point but because the dog could walk on it he was not overly concerned and stated he had saved up to buy the dog.”

An x-ray of the animal showed there was a leg fracture and the vet said the injury was about two weeks old.

The vet said the break appeared to be healing and no treatment was thought to be necessary but the dog should have received medical treatment at the time to fix the injury with pins.

Ms McManus continued: “It was apparent the accused did not particularly think his behaviour had caused unnecessary suffering to the animal.”

Animal abuser and junkie Stuart Connolly from Dunfermline, Fife

The fiscal depute said police also found 10.7g of heroin inside silver wraps in a Kinder egg and other plastic wraps, with an estimated value of £550.

Defence lawyer Alan Davie said Connolly does not have the dog anymore as the Scottish SPCA removed her from him.

The solicitor said his client had bought the dog and ensured she had vaccinations about two weeks before the offence.

Mr Davie said after Connolly stepped on the dog he noticed she had a limp and did not appreciate how serious a case it was and, rather than address the issue immediately, he waited to see if it would improve.

Mr Davie said Connolly was a heroin addict and at the time of offending was using a considerable quantity – now reduced from two-to-three grammes per day to 0.3g per day.

The fiscal depute called for a court disqualification order in relation to Connolly keeping animals.

Mr Davie said Connolly would be opposed to this and has now got another dog which he has had for eight months.

The solicitor said the offence, though serious, was nearly two years old and his client seems to have looked after the new dog.

Sheriff Francis Gill sentenced Connolly to a 145-day curfew order but was persuaded a disqualification order is not necessary.

Connolly thanked the sheriff as he left court.

Sentencing | meaningless 145-day curfew order and no ban.

Courier

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Charleston, City of Dundee: David Dye

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CONVICTED | David Dye, born 30 August 1990, of Dunholm Road, Charleston, Dundee DD2 -neglected his two dogs until one fatally attacked the other.

Animal abuser David Dye from Dundee, Scotland, UK. Picture: Facebook

Elderly Shih-Tzu Harley was found dead in a squalid, blood-soaked flat after being savaged by a young bull terrier called Stella.

Harley and Stella
Stella attacked and killed Shih Tzu Harley after the dogs were left to starve by their owner David Dye

Dye had Stella taken away to be rehomed under a deprivation order.

Fiscal depute Gavin Burton told Dundee Sheriff Court: “Police were called about concerns for children.

“A dog could be heard barking but there were no signs of persons within.

“They observed a bull terrier who was alive and a deceased Shih Tzu lying on the floor.

“There was no-one in. The property was in a poor state of repair.

“There was bloodstaining throughout.

“There was no food or water for the dogs.

“It smelled of urine, suggesting they had been left for a long period of time.

“The bull terrier was taken away. It was scared of males.

“Its nails were overgrown and its coat was dirty and matted.

“Door to door enquiries found there were concerns that the dogs had been neglected.”

Animal abuser David Dye from Dundee, Scotland, UK. Picture: Facebook

Dye admitted failing to provide a suitable environment or enough separation between his dogs.

He admitted failing to protect Harley from injury and as a result, the defenceless Shih Tzu sustained multiple puncture wounds and died.

Dye also admitted breaking into his mother’s house on May 4 2022 and stealing a smart watch and a games console.

Sentencing | 180 hours of unpaid work; 18-month supervision order. Disqualified from having a dog for two years.

The Courier

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Multiple Species, rabbits, Serial Animal Abusers, Small Furries

Denny, Falkirk: Jackson Aitken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scottish SPCA News

Dogs, hunting with dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes

Kinross, Perth and Kinross: Jay Kenny

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CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder and wildlife persecutor Jay John William Kenny, born 28 April 1983, of 2 Fruix, Kinross KY13 0LA but with links to Cowdenbeath, Fife – kept seven dogs in filthy makeshift kennels on a plot of land in Kelty, Fife.

Backyard breeder, wildlife killer, dog abuser Jay Kenny from Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Photo: Facebook

Kenny, who is well-known to the Scottish SPCA, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to all seven dogs by failing to provide a suitable environment and failing to seek veterinary treatment for a lurcher named Gus.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Stephanie Ross, said, “We’d had numerous dealings with [Kenny] since 2018 due to reports of dogs being kept in poor conditions and his known associations with various individuals who we had previously prosecuted for animal fighting.

“On 19 December we received a call from officers at Police Scotland. They had attended the plot of land belonging to Kenny on an unrelated matter and become immediately concerned for the welfare of the animals due to the conditions they were being kept in.

“On 20 December we attended the premises and found that the conditions were deplorable. The ground was boggy and littered with hazardous material. One dog had taken refuge on top of their wooden kennel and almost resembled a dog stranded on an island.

Backyard breeder, wildlife killer, dog abuser Jay Kenny from Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Photo: Facebook
Kenny with on/off partner Paisley Bratchie

“All of the areas the dogs were being kept in were heavily soiled with faeces and stank of ammonia. What little straw they had for bedding was foul and sodden with urine. Six of the seven dogs were underweight and many had visible wounds. Most did not even have access to clean drinking water.

“There were two German shepherds and both dogs’ coats were thick with muck and filth. One of the shepherds was attached to a three metre chain. The ground surrounding the dog’s kennel was worn away in a circular shape, suggesting the dog had been here for some time and going round and round in circles. There was also hazardous material like scrap metal and loose nails lying around which could have caused significant damage to the dog.

“A tan and white lurcher named Gus was in particularly poor condition.

“We had concerns for all of the animals’ welfare and immediately removed them from the premises. Gus was taken for veterinary treatment and the others were transported to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Backyard breeder, wildlife killer, dog abuser Jay Kenny from Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Photo: Facebook

“On veterinary examination, Gus was found to be emaciated and had such a heavy flea burden that they could be seen crawling in his fur. He had alopecia, a bacterial skin infection and several wounds in various stages of healing. There was also a wound to the tip of his tail where the skin had become thickened and leathery. The wounds were likely self-inflicted due to how uncomfortable and itchy the fleas were making him.

“The vet estimated it would have taken a minimum of three to five months for him to develop alopecia and for his tail tip to become hardened.

“Gus also had several fractured teeth, with receding and infected gums which would have been incredibly painful. The vet estimated this would have progressed over six to 12 months.

“The lack of basic care and disregard for animal welfare in this case was disgusting. On the day the dogs were seized the temperatures had dropped below freezing. Gus was so severely underweight he would have struggled to maintain any kind of body heat in those conditions.

“All of the dogs recovered well in our care and gained weight. Sadly, Gus had to have his tail amputated due to the severity of the untreated wound at the tip.

Sentencing | 12-month community payback order of 150 hours; 12-month supervision order. 11-year ban on owning or keeping animals.

Scottish SPCA News

Additional Information

In December 2020 the heartbroken owner of a cockapoo puppy purchased from prolific dog breeder Jay Kenny took to Facebook to warn others not to buy from him.

Tucker, who was bred by Jay Kenny, was put to sleep a few days after being diagnosed with parvovirus

The owner wrote that they had to take the puppy, Tucker, to a vet four days after bringing him home when he became severely unwell with sickness and diarrhoea.

The vet vet ran a test and confirmed that Tucker had parvovirus, a lethal condition for dogs.

The owner contacted Kenny, who denied there was anything wrong with the puppy. He refused to help with vet costs arguing that it was the owner’s decision to take the puppy to the vet. He agreed to refund the money paid for the puppy.

Tragically little Tucker failed to recover and was put to sleep.

The owner contacted Kenny again who demanded proof that Tucker had been euthanised. The owner provided this but Kenny went quiet and failed to answer calls and messages. No refund was ever forthcoming.

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Perth, Perth and Kinross: George Boura

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CONVICTED (2023) | George Jiri Boura, born 24 July 1978, of St Johnstouns Buildings, Charles Street, Perth PH2 9LB – punched his neighbour’s dog twice in the face during a row about late night noise.

Violent dog abuser George Boura from Perth, Scotland. Picture: Facebook

Czech national Boura, who has a history of anger-fuelled violence, lashed out at the Staffie-collie cross, named Summer, after being woken by people outside his block of flats at 2am.

Police charged Boura with causing the animal unnecessary suffering following the incident on May 8, 2022.

Boura, who was also charged with a public disorder offence, denied hitting the dog and claimed to police he had instead “pushed its head away gently”.

Dog abuser George Boura pictured outside court. Image source: The Courier
Boura pictured outside court. Image source: The Courier

Boura, who builds tee-pees for weddings, was found guilty following a one-day trial at Perth Sheriff Court, after three witnesses insisted they saw him punch the dog in the face.

Summer’s owner Mark Donnachie told the court he was outside the block of flats with her just after 2am when he met two friends with their dog. He said that the dogs were playing but weren’t barking.

Mr Donnachie said that Boura came out of his house and “started shouting and swearing at us.”

He added that Boura seemed to be “wanting a fight” and may have been drinking.

Mr Donnachie conceded that Summer – who knew Boura – had jumped up at him but “wasn’t being aggressive”.

He told the court: “George just turned round and punched her full on the head. She got scared and ran away. I put her back inside the house.”

Mr Donnachie told the court that Summer “isn’t the same dog” following the attack. He said “If someone goes to touch her now, she just starts shaking. She has stickers on her, letting people know she needs space.”

Mr Donnachie said Boura struck his dog once but other witnesses agreed he hit the animal twice.

Boura told his trial he had made several complaints to Perth and Kinross Council about noise such as “dogs barking, fighting over squeezy balls” and believed there was a conspiracy against him.

Describing the incident he said: “I was asleep in bed when I heard howling from the dog. It lasted about 20 minutes. I just went out and I was swearing at them.”

Boura said: “The dog jumped at me.

“Because I was angry, I pushed her away with an open hand.”

Sheriff Gillian Wade found Boura guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour, likely to cause fear or alarm, and causing the dog unnecessary suffering by repeatedly punching it and told him: “I note you have a previous conviction for serious violent offending, so you are clearly a person who is of a violent disposition.”

Boura was fined £450.

The Courier

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Dunfermline, Fife: Michael Stobbs

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CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Stobbs, born 17 December 1987, previously of Lumphinnans, near Cowdenbeath, but now living in homeless accommodation in Dunfermline – neglected his loyal pet dog over several weeks and left him alone in an empty property for four days.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.
Dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.

Stobbs, now of Segal House, Segal Place KY12 8AZ , admitted that between January 10 and February 10, 2021, he caused Akita cross Samson unnecessary suffering by leaving him unattended for four days without food or water.

Akita cross Samson was locked in a kitchen with no food and water and left there for four days

He also failed to seek appropriate veterinary attention for the dog’s ear, eye and skin infections.

There was a request for disqualification but this was refused by the Sheriff.

SSPCA Inspector Nicola Liddell said, “On 10 February 2021, we attended Mr Stobbs’ property in response to calls to our helpline about a dog that had been left alone in the property for a number of days.

“On knocking hard at the door a muffled bark was heard indicating the dog was shut away in another room. Stobbs wasn’t home but returned to the property shortly after our arrival.

“Stobbs freely admitted to having left Samson unattended for four days, blaming the weather conditions for preventing him from tending to his dog.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine.

“Samson was locked in the kitchen and the door was secured shut with a screwdriver jammed into the door surround which Stobbs used a hammer to remove.

“Samson was very friendly in nature and was delighted to see us. He was obviously underweight with his ribs and hips easily seen from a distance. His skin was very itchy and infected over his back with noticeable hair loss.

“Both eyes were leaking a yellow discharge and both inner ears appeared tender and infected. Samson’s claws were also very overgrown and were beginning to displace the alignment of his toes.

Fife animal abuser Michael Stobbs' filthy kitchen where he left a dog to starve for four days

“The kitchen was strewn with litter and hazardous items such as cutlery, potato peelings, old food containers, cans and mouldy milk cartons. There were faeces on the floor and up the kitchen units.

“There were no dog bowls, just empty plastic food containers. When given water, Samson drank thirstily. Stobbs also gave him a small amount of food which he ate ravenously. Even though he was so thirsty and hungry, Samson sat and waited until he was told to take it.

“We took Samson to be examined by a vet who found no underlying health problems that could explain his low body weight.

“During his ear examination, Samson howled in pain. The chronic eye infections will also have caused him considerable discomfort and irritation for a minimum of three to four weeks but likely much longer.

“Samson was then taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres to receive the care and veterinary treatment he needed.

“Despite numerous attempts to contact Stobbs to arrange an interview, we received no response nor has he contacted us to check how Samson is doing.

“Thankfully, Samson responded well to medication for his skin, eyes and ears, and he also gained weight. No special or veterinary diets were necessary to improve his body condition.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.

“We are disappointed that Stobbs only received a £400 fine this occasion as we do not feel this reflects the suffering caused to Samson.

“We hope he will be more conscientious in future about ensuring any animal he owns receives the appropriate care and veterinary treatment they require.”

Sentencing | fined £420.

Dunfermline Press
Scottish SPCA News

Dogs, Lifers, Serial Animal Abusers

Methil, Fife: Mary Walton and George Todd

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CONVICTED (2023) | Mary Walton, born c. 1960, and partner George Todd, born c. 1951, of Byron Street, Methil, Leven KY8 3JG – starved and neglected their pet dogs.

Animal abusers: George Todd and Mary Walton from Methil, Fife, Scotland. Image source: The Courier
Unremorseful serial animal abusers George Todd and Mary Walton are now banned for life from keeping them. Image source: The Courier

Mary Walton and George Todd, who had received a fiscal warning for animal neglect in 2017, received a lifetime ban on keeping animals after Rottweilers Beau, aged 4, and Nala, 2, were found starving and neglected.

Beau's skeleton was visible through his fur
Beau’s skeleton was visible through his fur

Beau was described as emaciated and scored just one out of nine for body condition. Nala was little better, scoring just two out of nine in the assessment.

Procurator fiscal depute Catherine Stevenson told the court two Scottish SPCA inspectors went to the couple’s home on June 28, 2022, after receiving a report of concern about the welfare of dogs at the property.

The court heard the dogs were in the kitchen and Walton needed her partner to help get them out, describing the pets as “wild”.

The fiscal depute said: “When the dogs were allowed out of the kitchen, they threw themselves into the room and began rummaging around and started licking anything that resembled a bowl.”

The dogs were removed and taken to a vet in Livingston, West Lothian.

The fiscal depute continued: “Beau was found to be extremely underweight, scoring 1/9 for body condition, with visible bones – including ribs and pelvis – and muscle loss”.

The court heard Nala scored a 2/9 for body condition.

Beau's skeleton was visible through his fur

The vet found the dogs’ ribs and pelvic bones were prominent, they ate “greedily” when offered food, had head wounds consistent with fighting and Beau had sores on the pelvis due to lying on hard surfaces.

By September 2022 the dogs were reported to be “doing well” and had gained 22% of body weight in just over nine weeks.

The cruel couple, who represented themselves in court, pleaded guilty to causing Beau and Nala unnecessary suffering by failing to provide them with adequate nutrition.

They admitted failing to seek veterinary treatment for weight and muscle loss.

They admitted a third charge of failing to meet the needs of the animals to the extent required by good practice, on June 28.

Sheriff Maryam Labaki described it as a “harrowing case” in which two animals “were starved and neglected”.

The sheriff said Walton had given an explanation of “not coping” but Todd had shown “no remorse”.

She added: “Your attitude is quite frankly despicable in the face of suffering you have caused.

“The court will, in relation to both accused, impose lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping any animal”.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Robyn Gray, said, “We’re pleased that Mary Walton and George Todd received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals.

“The couple previously received a fiscal warning in 2017 and we are glad that this outcome will prevent further harm to animals in their care.

“Both dogs were caused unnecessary suffering which could have been prevented.”

Sentencing | lifetime ban on keeping animals.

The Courier

Cats, Dogs, Multiple Species, Worst of the Worst

Brechin, Angus: John and Cynthia Stewart

2 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | John Stewart, born c. 1960, and wife Cynthia Stewart born c. 1961, of Chapelton of Menmuir, near Edzell, Brechin DD9 7QN – subjected a dog and two cats to extreme neglect.

Animal abusers: John and Cynthia Stewart from Brechin, Angus, Scotland. Pictured outside court. Source: Courier\
During the court appearance of “cruel and neglectful” John and Cynthia Stewart’, the judge noted the couple’s lack of remorse for their actions. Image source: Courier

John and Cynthia Stewart were given a 10-year ban on keeping animals after all three of their pets were put to sleep on humane grounds.

The remorseless couple offered no mitigation as they were sentenced for shocking cruelty to a 17-year old border collie named Ben and cats Ruff and Tumble, aged seven.

Skeletal collie Ben was infested with fleas with the itching causing multiple skin lesions.
Starved and neglected: skeletal collie Ben was infested with fleas with the itching causing multiple lesions throughout his skin.

The stricken animals were rushed to a vet after being found in a state of suffering at the pair’s rural home by shocked Scottish SPCA investigators.

Collie Ben was severely emaciated. He had a cut on his leg so deep that the bone was visible, and was riddled with fleas. He was suffering from multiple skin lesions likely to have resulted from itching. He had severe alopecia and little muscle. His claws were overgrown with some curling painfully into his pads.

Ben’s body condition was given a score of 1/5.

Tumble was given a body condition score of 2/5. He was also suffering alopecia and skin excoriations. He had flea dirt throughout his coat and a heart murmur was detected.

He was given an ultrasound due to a bladder issue which had caused him to be pot-bellied. The cat was unable to fully empty his bladder.

Tumble also had a flea infestation, resulting in excessive itching and multiple lesions to the skin. He was also found to have a bladder condition which prevented him from urinating properly.
Tumble also had a flea infestation, resulting in excessive itching and multiple lesions to the skin. He was also found to have a bladder condition which prevented him from urinating properly.

The vet said Tumble’s flea infestation should have been treated and must have been bothering the cat for at least a fortnight.

Ruff had similar skin and flea issues.

After the vet’s analysis, it was agreed Ben and Tumble would be immediately euthanised.

Post mortems concluded Ben’s condition would have been “easily identifiable” to anyone who saw him.

An ulcer found on his right hip was a result of lying on a hard surface for a long period and would have taken days to weeks to develop.

Ben would have suffered from distress for days to weeks and from arthritis for months to years.

Sentencing the Stewarts Sheriff Krista Johnston said: “These matters are very serious and I take them very seriously.

“This was a prolonged, appalling, offensive, avoidable way to treat these animals, supposedly in your care.

“It’s inconceivable you didn’t notice.

“It appears to me you were cruel and neglectful.

“You’ve shown no remorse, no insight into the ways these animals were treated and no realisation of the pain and suffering they must have undergone.”

Speaking afterwards Scottish SPCA Inspector Karen Cooper, said: “We are pleased that the Stewarts received a ban and supervision order, given the severity of neglect that Ben, Ruff and Tumble experienced.

“Their sheer disregard for the welfare of their animals was shocking.

“Although Ruff was in a slightly better condition than Ben and Tumble, upon being transferred to one of our centres for further care and attention it was discovered that he had a cancerous tumour.

“The difficult decision was therefore made to put him to sleep on veterinary advice.”

Sentencing | 200 hours of unpaid work each, reduced from the maximum community sentence of 300 hours due to the timing of their guilty pleas; 18 months of supervision. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Daily Record
STV News

Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Bucksburn, Aberdeen / Methil, Fife: Alexander Stewart and Jackie Stewart

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | hare coursers Alexander Stewart, born c. 1987, of Miltonfold, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9DR, and Jackie Stewart, aka John Stewart, born c. 1980, currently of Methil, Fife, but with a base at the notorious Clinterty travellers site in Aberdeen.

Alexander Stewart (left) and Jackie/John Stewart pictured outside court. Image credit: Courier

The Stewarts, who are Scottish travellers, pleaded guilty to wildlife offences after being caught hare coursing.

In the early morning of Sunday November 8, 2020, a local farmer spotted a Subaru belonging to Alexander Stewart in the Redwell Farm and the Balindarg area of Angus, near Forfar.

They called police because the same car had been used in earlier hare coursing incidents.

One witness saw one of the men with a lurcher-type dog and was left in no doubt they were hare coursing.

Police arrived and both Stewart and three boys were detained.

The men’s mobile phones were sent for analysis. where it was discovered Alexander Stewart’s phone held several voice note messages – including how he had bought a dog to kill hares.

Another revealed how he bought his Subaru vehicle to go poaching while a further clip showed that he had been poaching in Aberdeen. A chilling photo of a young boy holding a dead hare beside a lurcher was also found on the device.

Jackie Stewart’s phone revealed a text message from November 3 that two days earlier “a first chase killed it over down a road”.

The footage is blacked out as the phone is put into a pocket, but the sound keeps running. Alexander and Jackie Stewart can be heard discussing the decline of hares in the area due to the population dying out from them being killed.

It also held a video of him with Alexander Stewart and the boys on November 8, 2020, discussing discussing the decline of hares in the area due to them being killed.

Both men admitted hunting with several dogs at various locations in Angus and Aberdeenshire.

Sentencing |
Alexander Stewart was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Jackie Stewart was fined £1,000.
Both received a six-month ban on keeping dogs.

Daily Record
BBC News

Additional Information

Screenshot of Facebook conversation with Jackie Stewart, 26/11/2022