Wishaw brothers receive ban after six dogs found in faeces-covered kennels by Scottish SPCA

Two North Lanarkshire brothers have been banned from keeping animals after six dogs were left suffering after they failed to seek vet treatment for them.

Grant Stuart Campbell, 31, and 24-year-old David Campbell, formerly of Woodside Crescent in Newmains, Wishaw pled guilty to a number of charges on February 23, 2023 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Concerns were raised about the dogs in the brothers’ care which were kept in foul conditions and in traps which Grant had around the Newmains area of Wishaw.

Scottish SPCA inspector Dawn Murrie said that the charity’s dealings with the brothers began in March 2021.

She said: “Advice was given on the conditions the dogs were being kept in on several occasions and we issued an animal welfare notice that the Campbells complied with. Advice was also given to Grant Campbell on the operation of his traps and the requirements for their appropriate use.

“On October 19, 2021 we received another complaint to our animal helpline about the conditions at the property.”

When inspectors attended there was a “foul odour” and the pathway into the garden and dog kennels was “covered in faeces, hazards and rubbish”.

She said: “The kennels themselves were full of urine and faeces with a complete lack of suitable, dry bedding available for the dogs.

“One kennel was so full of faeces that no part of the flooring was visible. The door to this kennel was closed over and, at first, we assumed this to be a dumping ground for all of the faeces accumulated from the other dogs. Further examination revealed two large, adult deerhound type dogs, lying in the back compartment of the kennel.

“We had immediate concerns for the welfare of all of the animals on the premises and removed them for veterinary examination.”

One of the deerhounds, named Lass, was found by inspectors to have pressure sores and a fracture in her leg that the vet estimated would have been present for around three to four weeks.

The break had been left untreated for so long that she had to have her leg amputated.

Boy, another deerhound, only had three legs and was suffering from a displaced toe, while Gibbs, a pug, was suffering from a severe bacterial skin infection.

Another pug named Pinky was found with an extremely infected and swollen toe while Tara, a Staffordshire bull terrier and Buffy, a lurcher, were found to have arthritis.

Following the investigation by the Scottish SPCA, Grant Stuart Campbell pled guilty to seven charges of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment for various conditions and injuries affecting six dogs in his care, including a broken leg.

He was banned from keeping any animal indefinitely, received a two year supervision order and six month restriction of liberty order.

David Campbell pled guilty to one charge of failing to provide a suitable environment for two of the dogs and failing to keep them free from suffering, injury or disease as their clinical condition strongly displayed signs of neglect and failure to seek veterinary care.

He was banned from keeping any animal for five years and received a community payback order of 300 hours to be completed over three years.

The inspector added: “All of the dogs were suffering from dental disease to some extent.

“We are pleased that both brothers have received bans on keeping animals.

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