SEAN WARD FROM PORT GLASGOW SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND DOG FIGHTING

Sean Ward, a man originally from Greenock and more recently residing at 5 Dougliehill Terrace, Port Glasgow PA14 5DD, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty crimes that involved the illegal keeping and fighting of dogs. His actions, which included the brutal killing of wildlife such as badgers, deer, and foxes, have shocked the local community and prompted a stern response from law enforcement authorities.

Ward’s cruelty was described as “evil and sadistic” by Sheriff Craig Harris, who sentenced him to seven months in prison. Additionally, Ward received a ban from owning or keeping any dogs for a period of 20 years, a measure aimed at preventing further abuse. The conviction followed a detailed investigation by the Scottish SPCA, which uncovered disturbing evidence of Ward’s involvement in illegal dog fighting activities.

The investigation was triggered when a dog walker in Port Glasgow spotted an injured dog in April 2018. The dog, a black and white Jack Russell terrier, was visibly limping, with cuts, blood on her limbs and chest, and a severe injury to her face. The dog walker recorded footage of the injured animal and promptly sent it to the Scottish SPCA for further examination.

Following this report, police officers and Scottish SPCA investigators conducted a series of raids at Ward’s residence. During these searches, they discovered a Patterdale Terrier with scars on her face, which was subsequently taken to a veterinary clinic for assessment. The vet’s examination revealed that the injuries were consistent with face-to-face fighting with a badger, indicating that the animals had been used in illegal combat activities.

Further evidence was uncovered through a mobile phone seized during the search. The device contained numerous images and videos, including a photograph of Ward smiling beside a dead deer, a white lurcher, and the injured Jack Russell. One particularly disturbing video showed three dogs attacking a deer, with voices in the background urging the animals to continue their savage assault. These images and videos provided concrete proof of Ward’s involvement in wildlife persecution and dog fighting.

In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Ward, who has a history of violence and weapons offences, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act. His criminal record includes previous convictions for violent offences and possession of weapons. The court’s decision to imprison him for seven months and impose a 20-year ban on keeping animals underscores the seriousness of his crimes.

Sara Shaw, head of the Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), expressed her support for the sentence. She emphasized the suffering inflicted on the animals involved, noting that they sustained numerous wounds and scars during these barbaric acts. Shaw also urged the public to come forward with any information related to dog fighting, reaffirming the authorities’ commitment to prosecuting those involved in such illegal and cruel practices.

It is worth noting that Ward’s criminal activities extend beyond animal cruelty. He was also due to be sentenced in September 2021 for assaulting and robbing an elderly man, an attack that resulted in severe injuries and a permanent disfigurement. During that incident, Ward struck the victim over the head with a Buckfast bottle and ransacked his home in search of cash, causing a skull fracture and multiple cuts. However, details of that sentencing have not been publicly reported.

Further complicating Ward’s case is the fact that his partner, Kirsty Best, is known as a backyard breeder of lurcher-type dogs. There is evidence suggesting that Ward has been breaching his ban on keeping dogs, as seen on his Facebook profile, raising concerns about ongoing illegal activities related to animal ownership and breeding in the Port Glasgow area.