Callum Muir, 25, of Logangate Terrace, Logan in Ayrshire cried in the dock as he was sentenced to six months in prison at Ayr Sheriff Court yesterday for a catalogue of sickening animal fighting offences. Muir was also banned from owning or keeping animals indefinitely.

Muir had laughed as he videoed his dogs ripping live wild animals apart. He also failed to seek veterinary treatment for the dogs, which themselves sustained injuries in the horrific attacks.

Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) received intelligence about Muir’s activities in April 2021 and raided his home on the 4th May 2021. Three dogs were found with injuries suggesting involvement in multiple animal fights.

Items were discovered which suggested heavy involvement in animal fighting including locator collars, used to track dogs when they are hunting underground in badger setts and nets to catch wild animals as they sought to escape from their dens. This evidence was analysed at Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and fox and badger DNA was found. Investigators also found equipment used to treat Muir’s dogs injuries at home.

A number of videos were found which showed dogs, including Muir’s, fighting wild animals as he laughed and encouraged them. The videos were described by a very experienced SIU Inspector as “among the worst I’ve ever seen.” The Inspector added “Given the sheer level of suffering endured by Muir’s dogs, countless wild animals and the depravity of the videos and images he owned, we are disappointed he has not received a longer jail sentence.”

Muir’s three dogs were signed over the SSPCA and have since been found new homes.

This is another example of excellent work by investigators from an animal charity. SSPCA were assisted in this investigation by the League Against Cruel Sports and Dr Lucy Webster from SASA.

In spite of the success of this operation investigators are dismayed that the Crown chose to take this case forward at only summary level meaning that the maximum possible sentence was one year rather than five years.

Dogs being set to fight wild animals by sadistic owners is an increasing problem and it is good to see effective and targeted action being taken against it.

Reports on this case, including photographs can be found here here here here and here.