LAURENCE BROWN OF FALKIRK CAUGHT USING ILLEGAL SNARE TO TRAP NEIGHBOUR'S CAT

Laurence Brown, a resident of Derwent Avenue in Falkirk, found himself at the center of a serious animal cruelty case after he was caught setting an illegal and inhumane fox snare in his garden. The incident, which took place in Falkirk, involved Brown using a device purchased unlawfully from the internet to trap his neighbour’s cat, an act that could have resulted in severe injury or death but, fortunately, did not.

Brown explained to the court that his motivation for setting the trap was due to ongoing issues with his neighbour’s feline, which he claimed was repeatedly fouling in his hot tub. Despite his efforts to deter the cat using various methods such as screens, pepper, and even lion dung, the problem persisted. Frustrated, Brown decided to take more drastic measures and purchased a fox snare online. He then set this device in a location where the cat was known to squeeze through the gaps in the fence separating his garden from his neighbour’s property.

The prosecutor, Susan Campbell, detailed the incident, stating that Brown’s garden backs onto the neighbour’s, with a six-foot fence that has gaps large enough for a cat to pass through. On June 22nd, the neighbour heard a yowling noise coming from near the fence and saw his cat dashing around with a loop of yellow wire around her neck. The wire was attached to a small metal fixing, with no stopper to prevent it from tightening further. The neighbour quickly used scissors to cut the wire, freeing the cat without injury. Campbell emphasized that the cat was fortunate to escape unharmed, but the incident highlighted the dangerous nature of the trap.

When confronted, Brown claimed he was attempting to catch foxes, not intending to harm the cat. However, during court proceedings, he pleaded guilty to setting an illegal snare and trapping the cat, which became entangled and was unable to free itself, causing unnecessary suffering. He also admitted to breaching the Wildlife and Countryside Act by setting a snare designed to cause unnecessary pain, as it lacked a proper 'stop' mechanism on the noose.

Sheriff James MacDonald addressed Brown directly, noting that although his criminal record was limited at the time of the hearing, this conviction for animal cruelty would remain a permanent mark. The sheriff pointed out that Brown’s actions could only have been intended to maim or significantly injure the cat, which was fortunate to be unharmed. The court underscored the seriousness with which Parliament treats such offences, emphasizing that Brown could face up to 12 months in prison for his actions. The sheriff warned that any future similar behaviour would be met with severe consequences.

As part of his sentence, Brown was fined £300, serving as a reminder of the gravity of his actions and the importance of respecting animal welfare laws in Falkirk and beyond.