LIAM FAIR'S CRUELTY IN CRIEFF: DOG GOADING AND ANIMAL NEGLECT SHOCKS SCOTLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Crieff, Liam Fair has been at the center of a series of animal cruelty incidents that have drawn the attention of both local authorities and animal welfare organizations. The incident came to light on October 22, 2022, when a Snapchat video surfaced showing Fair engaging in reprehensible behavior involving his pets.

In the footage, Fair is seen encouraging his dog, Jax, to attack a pet rat. The video depicts him swinging the rodent by its tail and hitting it against Jax’s nose, an act that has sparked outrage among animal lovers and authorities alike. This footage prompted an immediate investigation by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) in conjunction with local police officers.

Following the discovery of the video, authorities conducted a thorough raid on Fair’s residence located in Corlundy Crescent, Crieff. During the search, officers uncovered a scene of severe animal neglect. Several animals were found in deplorable conditions, including five puppies suffering from starvation and suffering from worm infestations. The state of these animals was described as appalling, with many appearing emaciated and in poor health, highlighting the extent of neglect and cruelty.

Fair attempted to justify his actions during the investigation, claiming that he was training his dog, Jax, for pest control purposes. He also posted online, asserting that he was the owner and CEO of a pest control company, and that feeding live rats to his dog was part of his training regimen. These claims did little to mitigate the severity of his actions in the eyes of the law and animal welfare advocates.

At Perth Sheriff Court, Liam Fair faced charges related to his treatment of animals. He admitted to encouraging his dog to attack and kill the rat, as well as neglecting several other animals, including puppies, dogs, and a kitten. The court heard that his living conditions were akin to a 'slum,' with many animals suffering from malnutrition and neglect. The judge described the environment as deplorable and expressed concern over Fair’s apparent lack of understanding of the gravity of his actions.

In sentencing, the court imposed a five-month restriction of liberty order, requiring Fair to wear an electronic monitoring tag and remain at his residence between 9 pm and 7 am. Additionally, he was banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of one year. However, he was permitted to keep his current pets and was in the process of rehoming his puppies. The court’s decision reflected a cautious approach, acknowledging that Fair had made some positive changes since the incidents but emphasizing the need for accountability.

The Scottish SPCA inspector involved expressed disappointment that Fair was allowed to retain ownership of some animals, underscoring the cruelty involved in the case. The inspector highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement to prevent such cases from recurring in the future.