MIKEY NESBITT AND REBECCA WARD FROM MENSTRIE SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN FALKIRK

Mikey Nesbitt and Rebecca Ward, residents of Menstrie, faced serious legal consequences after neglecting their pet dog, Zeg, to the point of severe suffering. The couple, who live at 9 Main Street East in Menstrie FK11 7BH, showed a blatant disregard for the well-being of their helpless animal, which was found in a critically malnourished state.

Over a period of approximately ten months, Nesbitt and Ward failed to provide adequate care, nutrition, or a suitable environment for Zeg, a Staffordshire bull terrier estimated to be between five and six years old. The dog was discovered in a deplorable condition, with significant hair loss, sores, and signs of chronic skin damage. The neglect was so severe that Zeg's ribs were clearly visible through his skin, and he suffered from pressure sores on his joints, indicative of long-term confinement in a hard, unclean environment.

The case came to light after the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) responded to concerns about a dog in distress at the couple’s residence. Inspector Andrew Gray recounted that on April 12, 2021, they attempted to make contact with the owners but were initially unsuccessful. Through a kitchen window, he observed a dog’s head in a cage, but could not assess its condition at that time.

Subsequently, on April 24, 2021, the Scottish SPCA returned to the property in Menstrie and were greeted by Rebecca Ward. The dog, identified as Zeg, was brought outside and appeared extremely thin, with staining on his legs and underside. The inspectors took Zeg to a veterinarian for examination. The vet confirmed that Zeg weighed only 19.8 kilograms, significantly below the healthy weight range of 25 to 30 kilograms for his breed and size. The veterinarian also noted signs of muscle wastage, long-term pressure sores, and skin damage consistent with prolonged neglect and inadequate housing.

Despite the dire condition of Zeg, he displayed no difficulty eating when fed, indicating that his malnutrition was due to neglect rather than any medical condition. The vet concluded that months of chronic malnutrition and improper confinement had caused Zeg unnecessary suffering. The Scottish SPCA made repeated attempts to contact Nesbitt and Ward, but they failed to respond or show any interest in the dog’s recovery or well-being during the year Zeg was in their care.

Following the investigation, both Nesbitt and Ward pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Zeg. The court sentenced Nesbitt to a 12-month community payback order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work, and imposed a ten-year ban on owning animals. Ward was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and received a five-year ban from owning any animals.

In addition to this recent case, Mikey Nesbitt has a troubling history of animal cruelty. In 2008, he was convicted of starving three puppies to death and dumping their bodies in a shoebox at his home in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. The Scottish SPCA had previously responded to reports of a thin dog being walked by Nesbitt, which led to the discovery of the puppies and their mother in a cage, surrounded by filth. The court heard that Nesbitt’s neglect was linked to severe depression following a breakup, which impaired his ability to care for the animals. His solicitor at the time, Victoria Good, stated that Nesbitt was deeply distressed about the incident and had been unable to care for the dogs due to his mental health struggles.

Today, the case in Menstrie highlights the ongoing issue of animal neglect and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws. Zeg has been removed from his abusive environment and is now seeking a forever home, thanks to the intervention of the Scottish SPCA and the court’s rulings. The community and animal welfare organizations continue to advocate for responsible pet ownership and the protection of vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect.