ERSKINE MAN STEVEN RIDDELL SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN HIS HOME

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty uncovered in Erskine, Steven Riddell, a resident of Park Green, was found to be keeping a large number of mice, rats, and rabbits in deplorable conditions. The investigation was initiated after a tip-off in April 2014 led animal cruelty inspectors to his mid-terraced house, where they discovered a scene of unimaginable neglect and suffering.

Animal welfare officials documented the presence of approximately 130 creatures, including mice, rats, and rabbits, all confined within filthy enclosures. Riddell, a father of four, had been breeding these rodents in his greenhouse, ostensibly to serve as live prey for his collection of 50 snakes. The snakes, which appeared to be well cared for, contrasted sharply with the conditions in which the rodents and rabbits were kept.

The interior of Riddell’s home was stifling and oppressive, with a tarpaulin covering the area where the rodents were housed, effectively blocking out natural light and ventilation. Many of the animals were found dead, dying, dehydrated, or starving, some trapped in their own feces. One animal welfare inspector, overwhelmed by the stench and conditions, could only stay inside briefly due to difficulty breathing. A cage that was once 2kg when clean was found to be coated with a solid mass of droppings and bedding, weighing nearly 14kg.

Riddell openly admitted that he viewed the rodents as a cheap food source for his snakes, which he claimed were well cared for. The situation inside the greenhouse was described as “a night and day” contrast to the conditions of the snakes, highlighting the stark neglect of the rodents. The cages, stacked from floor to ceiling, contained rats and mice, some with young lying atop feces, and one half-embedded in compacted droppings. Several animals were found to be paralyzed, while others were dead or near death. Faeces and urine accumulated in some cages to depths of six to eight inches, with the only water source being a green algae-coated container.

Many of the rodents exhibited signs of physical abuse, including bite and scratch marks, and some had missing parts of their tails. Respiratory issues were common, with animals desperately poking their noses out of gaps in their cages in an attempt to breathe fresh air. Nearby, rabbits—initially kept as family pets—were also found in similarly appalling conditions. Their coats were stained yellow from urine, and neglect was evident.

Riddell, who was unemployed at the time, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act for causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate care, nutrition, water, and clean bedding. When questioned by officers, he acknowledged the appalling state of the animals but claimed that he had “taken his eye off the ball” due to family problems. He admitted that some animals were in poor health but justified not seeking veterinary help by stating they were “only food for my reptiles.”

A senior SSPCA inspector, with years of experience, expressed her shock at the conditions, stating she had never seen animals kept in such atrocious circumstances. She condemned Riddell’s attitude, saying he viewed the animals merely as a cheap food source for his reptiles, which appeared to be well cared for inside his house.

As part of the legal proceedings, Riddell agreed to relinquish ownership of all the animals. Many of the creatures were euthanized due to their poor health, while others were rehabilitated and rehomed. The court sentenced him to 150 days in jail and imposed an indefinite ban on keeping animals, with the exception of his family dog.