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Man given 15-year ban on owning animals after training dog for fights

SSPCA An injured Patterdale terrier, sitting on a table. He has very bright blue eyes and is looking straight into the camera. A person is petting him, though their face cannot be seen SSPCA
Ronnie was found with serious facial injuries by the Scottish SPCA

A man has been given a 15-year ban on owning animals after training a dog for animal fighting.

Sean Alexander Mullen's Patterdale terrier, called Ronnie, was found with serious facial injuries by the Scottish SPCA.

Mullen, who had 11 previous convictions including one for bludgeoning a fox to death, was given the ban on caring for, and owning, animals and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Ronnie has since been rehomed.

The SSPCA's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) carried out a search at Mullen's Paisley home after being tipped off about Ronnie's condition.

They found the dog and two younger male Patterdale terriers, along with animal fighting paraphernalia and training equipment, such as treadmills.

Ronnie was found with severe facial injuries consistent with having been in face-to-face combat with wild animals.

SSPCA A patterdale terrier, being looked at by SSPCA officers. The image is very close-up, showing injuries to the dog's face. SSPCA
Ronnie's injuries were consistent with being in face-to-face fights with other animals

A vet who examined the animals said Ronnie had "repeated facial trauma" that most likely came from animal fighting.

The vet added: "Allowing the dog to sustain these injuries resulted in preventable disease and injury.

"The wounds would have been painful and required veterinary treatment. By not seeking veterinary attention, the dog was left to endure severe unnecessary suffering for weeks, or for however long the injuries had been present."

SSPCA Ronnie, a Patterdale terrier outside in a field, standing on what appears to be a wooden ramp. He has his tongue sticking out and appears cheerful.SSPCA
Ronnie has since recovered from his injuries

An SIU inspector said the charity welcomed the sentencing but was disappointed a lifetime ban and a custodial sentence were not imposed.

The unit called on the Scottish government to introduce animal welfare sentencing guidelines, similar to those in England.

Ronnie's new owner described the terrier as being a "bundle of love".

They added: "He is the cutest and loveliest dog. He is so caring and loving. He has brought utter joy to our lives.

"I really can't understand why anyone would do something like this. It brings me to tears to think of the pain and suffering Ronnie has gone through".

Mullen was also sentenced to a restriction of liberty order from 19:00 to 07:00 for six months, reduced from nine months.