Paisley man banned from keeping animals after dog suffers severe injuries in animal fights

Warning: This report contains graphic images

A Paisley man has been banned from keeping pets after causing his dog severe injuries and unnecessary suffering in fights with wild animals.

Sean Alexander Mullen was found to be keeping a patterdale terrier, known as Ronnie, at his home for the purpose of using him to fight wild animals.

Concerns were raised with the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in December 2025, and a search warrant was later executed at Mullen’s home, where Ronnie and two younger male Patterdale terriers were seized.

Animal fighting paraphernalia and training equipment, including treadmills used to train dogs, were found inside the property.

Ronnie was examined by a vet Scottish SPCA

Ronnie had severe facial injuries, which were consistent with face-to-face combat and described as “extensive, painful and recent”.

A vet who examined him said: “The older scars looked to be historic and would be consistent with repeated facial trauma, most likely seen in animal fighting where dogs are involved in face-to-face combat with wild animals.

“There were no scars or wounds apart from his face and head, so this makes wild animal fighting more likely than with other dogs.

“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.”

Ronnie's injuries resulted in 'preventable disease and injury' — Ronnie’s injuries resulted in ‘preventable disease and injury’ Scottish SPCA

Mullen was handed a 15-month ban from caring for or owning animals at Paisley Sheriff Court on Thursday.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and to be restricted to his home between 7pm and 7am for nine months.

Sentencing Mullen, the sheriff said: “I am not a dog lover. I am not an animal lover.

“However, after reading the narrative, even I can see the level of cruelty inflicted.”

Mullen was found to have 11 previous convictions, including one for bludgeoning a fox to death.

Following the sentencing, the SIU inspector said: “We welcome today’s sentencing but are disappointed that a lifetime ban and custodial sentence were not imposed, given how savage this case was.

“No animal should ever be at risk of such horrific suffering.

“It has been two years since England introduced animal welfare sentencing guidelines, Scotland must follow suit.

“Until then we will continue to see sentencing that is not in line with the animal welfare crimes committed.”