URBAN HUNT SICKO IS HIT WITH 5-YEAR BAN ON KEEPING ANIMALS
Outrage at twisted badger baiter’s sickening crimes
These offences caused serious injury and suffering
A BADGER baiter whose dogs were bred to be super hunters has been banned from keeping animals after he admitted a series of horrendous wildlife crimes. Martin Davidson, 24, trained his four dogs to rip apart badgers, foxes and any other defenceless animal that might cross their path.
Yesterday, he was slapped with a five-year ban on owning, keeping or dealing with dogs after being busted by special investigators at the Scottish SPCA.
He was also ordered to carry out 160 hours of community service.
Davidson is one of several cruel dog owners to be brought to justice after a rise in “urban hunting”, which is fuelled by social media platforms showing gory images of animals in distress.
Sentencing Davidson, Dunfermline sheriff Alastair Brown said: “Hunting with dogs is illegal and it should also have been known to anyone with a grain of sense there is public disapproval of hunting with dogs, dog fighting and not keeping them in acceptable conditions.
“Public opinion seems to have been made clear to you.”
One SSPCA inspector said: “The disregard that Davidson had for the welfare of the wild animals he forced his dogs to fight, and for his own dogs, is unfathomable.
“We are pleased the sheriff issued the ban which will stop Davidson owning or having any dealings with dogs. The sheriff recognised the threat Davidson poses to any canine in his care.
“Sadly, these types of offences are not uncommon across Scotland, causing serious distress, injury and suffering to the dogs and wild animals.”
The SSPCA acted on a tip-off and used a warrant to enter Davidson’s home in Lochore, Fife.
A Staffordshire bull terrier, Lady, had scarring to her muzzle and lower jaw, consistent with badger baiting.
Three lurchers – bred between American pit bulls and greyhounds for speed and power – were also being badly looked after.
The inspector said: “The three lurchers were found outdoors in a kennel and run in the rear garden, far too small for their size and breed. Two had obvious, fresh injuries to their ears and heads.
“We also found animal fighting paraphernalia at Davidson’s residence. This included hunting gear, bloodstained wellies and a spot lamp commonly using for lamping with dogs, which is hunting at night.
“Multiple images were discovered of his dogs pictured with dead animals at night. Some featured the dogs viciously gripping foxes between their jaws.
“Davidson admitted the four dogs were not registered with a vet and did not receive any medication or treatment to ease their suffering from any of the injuries they had sustained
“Other photos showed Lady, Tramp, Mojo and Sid in the back of Davidson’s vehicle at night with fresh injuries. Our expert vets determined these were consistent with animal fighting, specifically with badgers and foxes.”
Davidson pled guilty to training his dogs for animal fighting, including badger baiting, and for failing to provide veterinary treatment to an injured dog in his care at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on August 27.
If you have information on animal cruelty, call the SSPCA hotline on 03000 999 999.
SSPCA INSPECTOR