Edinburgh dog owner who stamped on Golden Retriever’s head given five-year ban

Mark Redford was sentenced to a five-year ban on having custody of a dog, as well as a fine of £590, after he admitted breaches of animal welfare legislation at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

A Scottish SPCA Inspector attended Redford’s property on January 25, 2024, after a concern for dog abuse was raised with the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline.

The inspector said that CCTV footage showed Redford’s physical abuse of Star in the lift and corridor of the building.

The video showed Redford repeatedly kicking, hitting, and swinging the dog around, causing it to urinate itself.

He is also seen yanking and lifting Star in the air on multiple occasions and later stamping on the Retriever’s head.

Scottish SPCA Inspector June Chalcroft said: “It was beyond heart-breaking to see Star be subject to such abuse. It was unnecessary brutal behaviour that left the poor dog terrified. No responsible owner would think carrying out such severe attacks is a suitable way to treat an animal.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Chalcroft removed Star from the property, along with a Jack Russell, named Spot, who was also under Redford’s care.

Redford advised he was only looking after the dogs as they originally belonged to his siblings.

Both dogs were taken for veterinary examination to ICR Vets in Loanhead.

While both dogs were found to be healthy, the vet stressed the attacks would’ve caused Star significant distress and fear.

The vet said: “The video shows what appears to be unprovoked and inappropriate handling of the one-year-old Golden Retriever.

“This includes excessive force applied to a lead secured to the animal's neck, striking of the animal, and standing on the animal.

“In my professional opinion the actions displayed in the video had the potential to cause serious bodily harm to the animal.

“It is also of my opinion that these actions would have caused undue fear and distress to both dogs as well as causing unnecessary suffering.”

Following the vet examination, both dogs were transported to the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothian Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno.

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The Society then got in touch with Redford’s siblings, who ultimately signed both dogs into the care of the Scottish SPCA.

Inspector Chalcroft said the SSPCA were pleased with the Sheriff’s decision.

She added: “Redford’s extensive abuse caused both serious physical and psychological harm to the animal. This sentencing will send a clear message that animal cruelty and neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland.

“However, while a ban is the only way to ensure that this does not happen again to any animal, there is currently no system to monitor disqualification orders or track repeat offenders, which will significantly reducing the power of this sentencing.

“That’s why we’re calling for the creation of a National Animal Offenders Register, so criminals like Redford cannot go on to hurt other animals undetected. This is crucial to prevent future harm, and a measure that the next Parliament must look at seriously.

“These policy decisions play a key role in ensuing Scotland becomes the best place in the world for an animal to call home.”

The Scottish SPCA’s call for a National Animal Offenders Register is one of the four main asks of its recently published manifesto.

To report a concern of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website. You can read their full Manifesto and sign the petition here.