Two year ban for fox baiting
The Scottish SPCA has welcomed the two year ban on keeping animals imposed on three men who admitted hunting foxes with their dogs on February 28 during a joint Strathclyde police and Scottish SPCA operation
Samuel Burgoyne, David Cassells and Robbie Lees, of Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday (30 August).
The trio were also ordered to give up ownership of the four Patterdale terrier dogs used, which are now in the care of the Scottish SPCA.
The dogs were removed from the men and taken into Scottish SPCA care where they received vet treatment and shelter. The dogs will now be assessed for their suitability for rehoming.
The men were banned for keeping dogs for two years after pleading guilty under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Full sentence was deferred for twelve months for the men to be of good behaviour, after which the Sheriff indicated he would be more lenient if that was the case.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "We were able to use DNA samples from the dogs to confirm that hair found in their teeth came from a fox.
"We welcome the ban and deprivation orders as these men clearly should not be allowed to keep dogs.
"Whilst we would have preferred a life ban, the Scottish SPCA always respects the decision of the court and the fact that all three must be of good behaviour for twelve months curtails any possible similar activity.
"Baiting is a vile blood sport which causes a painful death for the animal involved as well as terrible injuries for the dogs."