CO TYRONE MAN CONVICTED IN SCOTLAND FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT AND ILLEGAL PUPPY FARM
Stephen Hamilton, a man from Co Tyrone, has been convicted in Scotland of animal neglect and running an illegal puppy farm.Along with his wife Hazel, he pleaded guilty to three charges after initially being accused of 15 offences.
The court heard that Hamilton and Hazel failed to provide proper veterinary care to their dogs and kept them in cramped conditions that caused significant suffering.
The animals, housed in industrial kennels across different buildings, suffered from painful ear issues, chronic dental disease, dermatitis, and broken nails.
The court was told they failed to meet the needs of the animals, did not give them adequate exercise or socialization, and neglected to protect them from suffering.
These facts were uncovered following an investigation by the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Hamilton, aged 53, and Hazel, aged 51, were due to stand trial in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, but they struck a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and keeping a breeding establishment without a license, breaching the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2006 and the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.
They are now awaiting sentencing, with the court case being continued to allow for proceeds of crime documentation.
Hamilton previously faced related charges 20 years ago but was acquitted then.
His application for a license was rejected after objections from animal welfare groups and Police Scotland, but he and Hazel continued their activities illegally, running a breeding programme that brought misery to the animals involved.
