Man denied 'extremely thirsty' dogs water inside small cage - in case they knocked it over
Last updated 23rd Dec 2025
A man found keeping dogs in extreme heat at a flat in Tweedbank, without access to water, told an animal welfare officer they couldn't have any in their cage - because they would knock it over.
Selkirk Sheriff Court today (Monday) also heard their crate wasn't big enough for both the animals - which appeared extremely thin and thirsty - and, when the door was opened, both ran about frantically and licked at an empty bowl.
Crawford Hull, who's 38, initially slammed his door shut when inspectors from the SSPCA turned up with police at his address in Carlin Court on March 13th last year.
But, after some persuasion, he eventually allowed one officer in to inspect the animals, which it was said were working dogs used for gamekeeping.
READ MORE: Drink-driving NHS worker crashed into parked car in Galashiels
The court heard there was an extreme heat in the property, where 11 reptiles were also being kept.
After being taken to the vet, Ollie, a three-year-old Labrador, was found to weigh just 21.6kg; while Pablo, a four-year-old Spaniel, weighed 13.3kg.
The vet examining them concluded that the most likely cause for the poor body condition was underfeeding and lack of exercise.
In addition to being malnourished, Ollie had an injury to his chest, irritated skin and hair loss, and Pablo had overgrown nails and severe dental disease.
Both were removed from his care and, after gaining weight, have since been rehomed.
READ MORE: Man jailed following attack on six-month-old baby
The court heard Hull, who pled guilty to causing the animals unnecessary suffering, had isolated himself following the death of his mum, and the stigma of a previous conviction.
But his solicitor explained he had made no further attempt to purchase a dog.
Hull, whose current address was given as West Lothian, was given a one-year supervision order as a direct alternative to custody, and banned from owning or possessing any mammal for 10 years.
However, the order allows him to continue to care for his reptiles which, the court was told, are "relatively low maintenance".
WATCH: Scotland star recalls being 'thrown off stage' during Full Monty dance
The Scottish SPCA, which has welcomed the sentence, is calling for the creation of a National Animal Offenders Register that’s connected to current intelligence systems so enforcement agencies can monitor bans, track repeat offenders, and identify links early between animal abuse and other crimes.
A spokesperson said: ": “Hull allowed for his dogs to suffer unnecessarily by failing to feed them a good diet or even give them adequate water which would have alleviated their suffering. In addition to this, he also failed to seek veterinary treatment for Ollie’s skin condition or Pablo’s dental disease.
“Issuing a ban on Hull being able to have custody on animals is the only way to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/