COLIN AND DAVID REID: BANFF DOGFIGHTING SCANDAL EXPOSED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Banff and surrounding areas, brothers Colin and David Reid have been convicted of involvement in organized dog fighting activities. The brothers, whose addresses are listed as Smith Road, Banff AB45 1BN, and High Shore, Macduff AB44 1SN respectively, were found guilty in September 2011 of encouraging and facilitating brutal fights between bull terrier-type dogs.

Their crimes took place over a period spanning from July 29, 2008, to January 20, 2011, at a disused open-air swimming pool in Tarlair, a location notorious for clandestine activities. The Reid brothers were caught on video forcing their dogs into vicious combat, a revelation that played a crucial role in their conviction. Undercover investigators, acting on intelligence, raided their homes and discovered footage of dogfighting on a laptop, further implicating them in a wider network of animal cruelty.

Authorities believe that the Reid brothers operated within a larger ring of dogfighters, with evidence suggesting they had been involved in this depraved activity for several years. The case marked a significant milestone as it was the first conviction for animal fighting since new legislation empowered the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) inspectors to search and enter the homes of suspected dog fight organizers without prior notice.

During the investigation, the SSPCA also uncovered disturbing evidence of animal mutilation. One of the dogs rescued from the scene had been shot through the skull, and investigators suspect that other dogs, deemed too old or no longer useful for fighting, had been killed and discarded to avoid legal repercussions. The case also revealed that the Reid brothers were close associates of a man whose dog was found shot and dumped in a ditch during the investigation. The dog’s carcass bore a clear bullet wound, and a microchip linked it to an associate of the brothers.

Further evidence of their cruelty was uncovered in 2006 when David Reid was convicted of mutilating two bull terriers by cutting off parts of their ears with scissors. He pleaded guilty and received a two-year ban from keeping animals along with a fine of £300. Colin Reid, who was also involved in the illegal activity, had a ban on keeping dogs that expired in September 2016. Despite these bans, Colin Reid was seen owning at least one dog and was photographed in 2018.

An undercover investigator described the brutal practices associated with dog fighting, noting that mutilations such as ear removal are often performed to make dogs appear more aggressive and to prevent injuries during fights. The investigator stated, “Owners do this to ready dogs for fights, to make them look fierce and to stop other dogs locking jaws on their ears while fighting.” The investigation also uncovered videos from Eastern Europe depicting dog fights, indicating the international scope of the illegal activity.

Colin Reid’s tattoos, which glorify dog fighting, serve as a stark symbol of his involvement in this cruel world. The investigation extended beyond the Reids, with farmers reporting attacks on their cattle believed to be linked to training dogs for fighting. The authorities seized six pit bulls during raids on four homes, and subsequent intelligence led to the discovery of a dog shot and dumped on a farm, with a bullet hole through its skull. The dog’s microchip linked it to an associate of the Reid brothers.

In addition to their involvement in dog fighting, David Reid was sentenced to six months in jail after attacking a man he suspected of informing the authorities. The assault resulted in severe injuries, including a broken skull and pelvis. The Scottish SPCA emphasized that the case sent a clear message to anyone involved in such heinous activities.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn of the SSPCA stated, “Our investigation revealed both David and Colin Reid were heavily involved in dog fighting, a sickening crime which causes dogs horrendous injuries and can often be fatal. It is a testament to our inspectors involved that these extremely cruel and barbaric men are serving jail sentences.”

The court sentenced David Reid to six months in prison and Colin Reid to four months. Both brothers received a five-year ban from keeping dogs, which expired in September 2016. The case also involved other individuals, including William Stuart from Macduff and Stuart Grant from Banff, who were initially prosecuted for their alleged roles in the dog fighting ring, though their cases’ outcomes remain unreported.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the SSPCA and law enforcement to combat animal cruelty and dismantle illegal dog fighting networks in the region, sending a strong message that such barbaric acts will not be tolerated.