Liam Taylor, 32 of Deyhill, Macduff who did not appear in person pled guilty at Banff Sheriff Court yesterday to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to get treatment for an animal, and of training or keeping an animal to fight another.

Taylor was caught after graphics showing the dog’s injuries, as well as “trophy photos” of him hunting using the dog, were ordered online and the concerned business owner reported the suspected abuse. Officers from the Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) found a male Bull lurcher dog called Brock at Taylor’s home with missing teeth, an injured face, an injured paw, one nostril partially ripped off and cuts around his muzzle area.

A vet said that the injuries were consistent with fighting badgers and foxes would have been very painful and any infection could have caused septicemia. There were also ulcerated wounds and scabbing. Taylor claimed that he had had the dog for less than a month and that these were healing injuries. He denied being present when dogs were used for fighting animals and said he was treating the wounds with salty water.

However further evidence was found on a confiscated phone. In text messages Taylor spoke of “pig digging”, that he “hoped this dog makes it as a pig digger” and how Brock took “a fair bit of punishment from that pig at the weekend”. Other messages mentioned the dog being “chewed close to the windpipe” and contained details of Taylor arranging to meet the recipient to “send dogs down sets”.

The phone also held photos showing Brock bearing fresh wounds and smeared with blood. DNA taken from a knife found in Taylor’s jacket showed it had been in contact with roe deer and badger and a skin stapler found in his toolbox held Brock’s DNA.

Brock is currently in the care of the SSPCA and the Crown has made a motion for forfeiture as Taylor has refused to sign him over to the charity.

Taylor’s sentencing diet has been deferred until next month to allow for background reports. His defence agent reserved mitigation until that time.

Notes:

‘Pig digging’ is a phrase commonly used by badger baiters when talking about their activities.

A skin stapler is a device often used by dog fighters to hold together the wounds caused during fighting.