Dog subjected to 'worst abuse seen in a decade' now adopted and 'loving life'

A dog that was subjected to a three-hour attack at the hands of his owner has been adopted and is now living a “wonderful life”.

Buster, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was the victim of one of the worst cases of cruelty seen by the Scottish SPCA in over a decade, the charity said.

Daniel Murphy has been jailed for nine months and handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the one-year-old dog at Ayr Sheriff Court on August 15.

The 43-year-old from Prestwick had previously been sentenced to three months in prison and given a five-year disqualification from owning, possessing or being responsible for dogs in 2018 for repeatedly kicking a puppy in the street and causing injury.

Murphy’s latest abuse came to light after multiple reports of concern were made, including from a member of the public who heard a dog yelping and screaming in distress.

He falsely claimed he had accidentally kicked the dog, and later that Buster had walked into a parked car.

Glasgow & West

Man left dog trembling in fear during three-hour attack with iron and bottle

Daniel Murphy has been jailed after carrying out a prolonged campaign of abuse against the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Video footage later obtained by authorities showed Buster being struck 71 times with extreme force.

This included his face and head being beaten with the flat of an iron, being hit by two-litre bottles, and unidentified liquid being poured over his face and body on several occasions.

Buster was also dragged, lifted and thrown by his legs and tail.

‘A truly horrific case’

Scottish SPCA inspector Caitlin Rea, who was involved in the investigation, said: “This case is truly horrific. It is without question one of the worst I have encountered with the Society due to the sustained and brutal nature of the abuse.

“Buster endured hours of torment at the hands of someone who should have cared for him. The physical injuries were severe, including head trauma, swelling, and a historical leg fracture, but the emotional trauma was just as profound.

“Thanks to the bravery of the individuals who reported this, and the evidence captured, we were able to ensure Buster’s suffering ended and justice was sought.”

After receiving emergency veterinary care, Buster was taken into the care of the SSPCA and has since been adopted.

Buster’s adoption

Inspector Rea added: “Buster is now living a wonderful life, hillwalking and travelling the country in a camper van. He finally has the peaceful and loving life he deserves.”

The charity is calling for a national animal offenders register to be built into existing intelligence systems to support monitoring of individuals convicted of animal cruelty – particularly those banned from owning animals – and flag repeat offenders like Murphy.

They believe this would also help address the “well-established” link between those who harm animals and those who go on to harm humans.