Jail sentence for setting fire to dog

29/10/2007

A man who poured petrol over his girlfriend's dog and set it on fire has been jailed for seven months and banned from keeping animals for life.

Appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Sheriff Shiona Waldron told the man his actions were "appalling".

She said, "You have been found guilty of stealing your girlfriend's dog, pouring petrol over it and setting it alight. The dog was found badly burned and still alive and had to be taken to a vet to be destroyed.

"The cruelty and suffering you inflicted on this dog will inspire revulsion in the minds of all right-minded people. You have shown absolutely no remorse for your appalling conduct and there is no alternative to custody."

The three-year-old cross-terrier suffered 70 per cent burns and was found by a couple out walking in the Allanton area of Lanarkshire in excruciating agony.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Fiona Greig investigated the case. She said, "We are delighted the sheriff saw fit to award both a life ban and a significant prison sentence.

"It is relatively rare that both are given in animal cruelty cases but this is one of the worst to have gone through under the new legislation and we are pleased to see the seriousness of the crime reflected in the sentencing.

"This was possibly the most horrific case I have had the misfortune to deal with in my entire career as a Scottish SPCA Inspector.

"The act was incredibly cruel and caused immeasurable suffering to a defenceless creature."