Fine for slaughterman who kept illegal snares

An Annan man who neglected his dog and possessed illegal snares has been fined £1500 and banned from keeping animals for five years.

Traps and illegal snares found
Traps and illegal snares found

Animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA welcomed the sentence at Dumfries Sheriff Court on Wednesday

Carl Conroy, 21, from Eastriggs admitted that on June 15 2010 he had in his possession illegal self-locking snares and an electronic bird caller used to attract birds in order to kill them.

Conroy was also found guilty of failing to provide veterinary treatment to his male lurcher between 15 May and 15 June 2010.

The slaughterman was warned he faces 45 days imprisonment if he fails to make payment and ordered to pay £750 in compensation to the Scottish SPCA.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Self-locking snares cause animals a great deal of pain and suffering.

“During our investigation we also discovered an electronic bird caller in Conroy’s possession which he admitted was used to attract birds such as crows in order to shoot them.

Conroy neglected his injured lurcher
Conroy neglected his injured lurcher

“Conroy also used his dog to hunt and it had sustained a serious injury to its nose and lower jaw, with its nose effectively having been ripped off.

“Despite the obvious pain his dog was suffering Conroy did not seek veterinary treatment.

“Thankfully his dog made a full recovery and will be rehomed somewhere he will receive the care and attention he deserves.

“The fine and compensation orders are substantial and we are pleased a ban on keeping animals has been imposed.

“We would like to thank the Procurator Fiscal for her determination in pursuing this case.”