Two Aberdeenshire brothers have been jailed for dog fighting following an undercover Scottish SPCA investigation.
David and Colin Reid yesterday (20 September) pled guilty at Banff Sheriff Court to taking part in an animal fight and keeping a dog for the purposes of fighting.
It is the first conviction for animal fighting under section 23 of the 2006 Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act and only the second ever in Scotland.
David Reid (22), of 22 Boyndie Street West, Banff, was jailed for six months. Colin Reid (24), of 32 Moray Street, Macduff, will serve four months. Both men were also banned from keeping dogs for five years.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "Our undercover investigation revealed both David and Colin Reid were heavily involved in dog fighting, a sickening crime which causes dogs horrendous injuries and can often be fatal.David and Colin Reid setting their dogs on each other
"It is testament to our inspectors involved that these extremely cruel and barbaric men are serving jail sentences.
"This was the first conviction for animal fighting under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act of 2006, which empowers Scottish SPCA inspectors to search and enter homes under warrants to retrieve evidence.
"During raids on the Reid brothers we discovered video evidence which not only proved their guilt but also clearly demonstrated their fascination in watching the poor dogs involved viciously fight each other.
"We also removed six dogs, including three pitbull terrier type dogs which are illegal having been classified as dangerous, veterinary equipment and various paraphernalia associated with dog fighting.
"It is pleasing that custodial sentences have been imposed as these were serious offences. We had expected the ban to be for life as these men are evidently unfit to be in possession of a dog."
Chief Supt. Flynn said the convictions served as a warning to dog fighters across Scotland.
"We are continually gathering intelligence throughout the country and are particularly concerned about the prevalence of dog fighting in the North East," he said.
"This case sends a clear message that we will pursue anyone taking part in this abhorrent activity."
In 2006 David Reid was convicted under the Protection of Animal (Scotland) Act 1912 for cutting off part of both ears of two bull terrier dogs, cruelly ill treating them and causing them unnecessary suffering. He pled guilty at Banff Sherriff Court, was banned for two years from keeping animals and fined £300.
Source: http://www.scottishspca.org/news/688_brothers-jailed-for-dog-fighting
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "Our undercover investigation revealed both David and Colin Reid were heavily involved in dog fighting, a sickening crime which causes dogs horrendous injuries and can often be fatal.David and Colin Reid setting their dogs on each other
"It is testament to our inspectors involved that these extremely cruel and barbaric men are serving jail sentences.
"This was the first conviction for animal fighting under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act of 2006, which empowers Scottish SPCA inspectors to search and enter homes under warrants to retrieve evidence.
"During raids on the Reid brothers we discovered video evidence which not only proved their guilt but also clearly demonstrated their fascination in watching the poor dogs involved viciously fight each other.
"We also removed six dogs, including three pitbull terrier type dogs which are illegal having been classified as dangerous, veterinary equipment and various paraphernalia associated with dog fighting.
"It is pleasing that custodial sentences have been imposed as these were serious offences. We had expected the ban to be for life as these men are evidently unfit to be in possession of a dog."
Chief Supt. Flynn said the convictions served as a warning to dog fighters across Scotland.
"We are continually gathering intelligence throughout the country and are particularly concerned about the prevalence of dog fighting in the North East," he said.
"This case sends a clear message that we will pursue anyone taking part in this abhorrent activity."
In 2006 David Reid was convicted under the Protection of Animal (Scotland) Act 1912 for cutting off part of both ears of two bull terrier dogs, cruelly ill treating them and causing them unnecessary suffering. He pled guilty at Banff Sherriff Court, was banned for two years from keeping animals and fined £300.
Source: http://www.scottishspca.org/news/688_brothers-jailed-for-dog-fighting
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