MAN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS OVER COCKEREL NEGLECT
A 42-year-old man has been prohibited from keeping animals for a period of 10 years after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to two game-breed cockerels.Paul Stewart was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and placed on probation for 12 months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) conducted a search of Stewart’s property following allegations that animals were kept in poor conditions.
The organization expressed its satisfaction with the conviction, emphasizing the importance of sending a clear message against animal cruelty.
Stewart admitted that he failed to provide veterinary treatment to the two birds, which were suffering from lice infestations resulting in feather loss.
The larger cockerel had its natural heel spurs removed, while the smaller one had its comb removed.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn commented, 'We welcome this conviction which should send a strong message to anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to cause an animal unnecessary suffering.'