Prestwick man jailed for subjecting his dog Buster to campaign of abuse
Buster has since been adopted and living a new, happy life
A Prestwick man has been sentenced after subjecting his dog to a horrific, prolonged episode of physical and mental abuse, captured on video and described as one of the worst cases of cruelty seen by the Scottish SPCA in over a decade.
Daniel Murphy, of Prestwick, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court on Friday, 15 August, and was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment effective immediately.
He was also given a lifetime ban on keeping animals, with no appeal available for 10 years, after previously pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his one-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Buster.
Murphy is a repeat offender, having been convicted in 2018 for repeatedly kicking a puppy in the street and causing injury.
On that occasion, he received 3 months imprisonment and a five-year disqualification order from owning, possessing or being responsible for dogs.
The latest abuse came to light following multiple reports of concern, including a call from a member of the public who heard a dog yelping and screaming in distress.
Buster was presented to a veterinary practice with severe swelling to his head and face.
Murphy falsely claimed he had accidentally kicked the dog, and later that Buster had walked into a parked car.
In total, Buster was struck 71 times with extreme force.
The footage showed the dog in visible fear and distress, exhibiting behaviours of submission and resignation—clear indicators this was not the first instance of violence.
Scottish SPCA inspector Caitlin Rea involved in the investigation said: “This case is truly horrific. It is without question one of the worst I have encountered with the Society due to the sustained and brutal nature of the abuse.
“Buster endured hours of torment at the hands of someone who should have cared for him.
"The physical injuries were severe, including head trauma, swelling, and a historical leg fracture, but the emotional trauma was just as profound.
“Thanks to the bravery of the individuals who reported this, and the evidence captured, we were able to ensure Buster’s suffering ended and justice was sought.”
Buster has since been adopted and the SSPCA say he is now 'thriving'.
Inspector Rea added: “Buster is now living a wonderful life hillwalking and travelling the country in a camper van. He finally has the peaceful and loving life he deserves.”
The Scottish SPCA is calling for a national animal offenders register to be built into existing intelligence systems to support monitoring of individuals convicted of animal cruelty, particularly those banned from owning animals, and flag repeat offenders.
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