Mark Redford has been convicted of repeatedly hitting and standing on one-year-old female golden retriever.
Redford, from Edinburgh, was sentenced to a five-year-ban on owning animals, after he admitted breaches of animal welfare legislation on April 15 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
He was also sentenced to pay a fine of £590.
A Scottish SPCA Inspector attended Redford’s property on 25 January 2024 after a concern for dog abuse was raised with the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline.
CCTV footage showed Redford’s unacceptable physical abuse of Star in the lift and corridor of the building. The video showed Redford repeatedly kicking, hitting and swinging the dog around, causing it to urinate itself. He is also seen yanking and lifting Star in the air on multiple occasions and later stamping on the Retriever’s head.
Unnecessary brutal behaviour
A Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “It was beyond heart-breaking to see Star be subject to such abuse. It was unnecessary brutal behaviour that left the poor dog terrified. No responsible owner would think carrying out such severe attacks is a suitable way to treat an animal.”
The inspector immediately removed Star from the property, along with Jack Russell Spot, who was also under Redford’s care. Redford advised he was only looking after the dogs, as they originally belonged to his siblings.
Caused significant distress and fear
Both dogs were taken for veterinary examination to ICR Vets in Loanhead. While both dogs were found to be healthy, the vet stressed the attacks would’ve caused Star significant distress and fear.
The vet said: “The video shows what appears to be unprovoked and inappropriate handling of the one-year-old Golden Retriever. This includes excessive force applied to a lead secured to the animal’s neck, striking of the animal, and standing on the animal.
“In my professional opinion, the actions displayed in the video had the potential to cause serious bodily harm to the animal. It is also of my opinion that these actions would have caused undue fear and distress to both dogs as well as causing unnecessary suffering.”
Following the vet examination, both dogs were transported to the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothian Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno.
The Society then got in touch with Redford’s siblings, who ultimately signed both dogs into the care of the Scottish SPCA.
Animal cruelty and neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland
Reacting to the sentencing, the Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “We are pleased with the Sheriff’s decision. Mark Redford’s extensive abuse caused both serious physical and psychological harm to the animal. This sentencing will send a clear message that animal cruelty and neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland.
“However, while a ban is the only way to ensure that this does not happen again to any animal, there is currently no system to monitor disqualification orders or track repeat offenders, which will significantly reduce the power of this sentencing. That’s why we’re calling for the creation of a National Animal Offenders Register, so criminals like Redford cannot go on to hurt other animals undetected. This is crucial to prevent future harm, and a measure that the next Parliament must look at seriously. These policy decisions play a key role in ensuring Scotland becomes the best place in the world for an animal to call home.”
Prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending
The Scottish SPCA’s call for a National Animal Offenders Register is one of the four main asks of its recently published manifesto. Delivering on these will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare and is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending. In turn, this is essential to help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place for an animal to call home. Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
To report a concern of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website.
