Man handed animal ban after dog left with 'horrendous' injuries including exposed jaw bone

A man has been sentenced and banned from keeping any animals for ten years after a dog was found with “horrendous” facial injuries.

Liam Stevenson, 29, pled guilty at Alloa Sherriff Court on Thursday, July 25 to failing to obtain vet treatment for his dog Scooter’s injuries which included open wounds on his cheeks and an exposed jaw bone.

The Patterdale Terrier was found by Scottish SPCA’s special investigation unit “shaking, whimpering and clearly in distress” in a dog crate.

The dog had suffered facial and body wounds believed to have been inflicted over a prolonged period of time, with the injuries consistent with badger baiting.

The SSPCA said it had investigated Stevenson from February 2023 after it received a report he had left his dog with untreated injuries.

Scooter is doing much better after his surgery and 'living the life he deserves'. — Scooter is doing much better after his surgery and ‘living the life he deserves’. Scottish SPCA

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community service within the next six months.

A Special Investigations Unit Officer said: “Due to the immediate and real concern for the welfare of the dog being kept the premises were searched.

“While searching we found Scooter within the hallway at the back door in a dog crate.

“He was shaking, whimpering and was clearly in distress. He had very clear and visible open wounds on either side of the underside of his bottom jaw through which you could see its lower jaw bone and bottom teeth.

“The wounds were fresh, seeping and smelt of decaying flesh – it was horrendous.

“The dog was removed from the house due to the immediate concerns for his welfare, and taken to an independent vets practice for assessment and treatment.

“The vet found severe extensive wounds to his face, and multiple more superficial wounds around his body. There were also multiple scars over his body and head indicating he had sustained many wounds over a prolonged period of time.

“The most extensive full-thickness wounds were to the underside of his jaw on both sides, with areas of the jaw visible. In two areas there were holes in his cheeks allowing the oral cavity to be viewed with the mouth shut.

“In our experience these types of injuries can be consistent with badger baiting as badgers have incredible jaw strength. As a result, the injuries that they typically inflict are crushing or tearing injuries rather than small and discreet puncture wounds.

“Classically face-to-face combat will result in these types of injury from the tearing action of the badger’s teeth and claws.

“We are pleased at the sentencing today. Scooter had suffered extensively and over a prolonged period of time, without receiving immediate veterinary care for his wounds.

“The specialised veterinary work undertaken by our vets resulted in the dog’s recovery and he has since be rehomed and living the life he deserves.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”