ALLAN GRAHAM FROM WISHAW SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG BRUISER IN SCOTLAND
| Red Rose Database
Wishaw Animal Abuser
In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates across Scotland, Allan Graham, a resident of Muirhouse Avenue in Newmains, Wishaw, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving his pet dog, Bruiser. Born in February 1992, Graham’s neglectful actions led to the suffering of his elderly Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed, which was discovered in a deplorable state of health.
On August 2, 2023, Graham appeared before Hamilton Sheriff Court to face charges related to the mistreatment of Bruiser. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the neglect, which had gone unnoticed until a concerned caller contacted the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline. The incident dates back to August 14, 2020, when inspectors responded to a report of a dog in extremely poor condition at Graham’s property on Muirhouse Avenue, Newmains, Wishaw.
Upon arrival, Scottish SPCA chief inspector Heather Lawson described the scene: “We found a male Staffordshire bull terrier cross, known as Bruiser, in a state of severe malnutrition. His ribs, spine, and hip bones were all prominently visible through his coat, which was in poor condition and covered in dandruff. The dog exhibited a hunched posture and appeared very subdued and quiet.”
Inspectors observed a large water bowl on the floor, which was covered in green algae. Graham explained that Bruiser drank excessively from this bowl, and to avoid frequent refills, he provided a larger container. During questioning, Graham admitted that Bruiser was underweight and claimed he was trying to improve his condition by feeding him pasta alongside his usual dog food.
Concerned for the dog’s welfare, the inspectors removed Bruiser from the property and took him to a veterinary surgeon for a thorough examination. The vet found that Bruiser weighed only 13.8 kilograms, significantly less than the typical weight range of 18 to 20 kilograms for his breed. The dog had lost considerable muscle mass, especially in the hindquarters, and the harness he wore was too large, indicating recent weight loss.
Additionally, Bruiser’s coat was foul-smelling and covered in dandruff, further evidence of neglect. The veterinary assessment concluded that there was no underlying medical condition causing the weight loss; rather, it was attributed to inadequate nutrition and poor diet management.
Following his rescue, Bruiser was placed in the care of an SSPCA rescue and rehoming centre, where he quickly regained weight and strength through a proper diet of commercially available dog food. His recovery highlighted the severity of his previous suffering and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Graham’s sentencing reflected the seriousness of his actions. He was fined £450 and received a two-year ban on owning dogs, which will expire in August 2025. The court’s decision was welcomed by animal welfare groups, who emphasized that Bruiser’s suffering could have been easily prevented had Graham taken appropriate steps to care for his pet.
Heather Lawson from the Scottish SPCA stated, “Although Graham was aware that Bruiser was in poor condition, he did nothing to address the situation. Proper nutrition and care could have alleviated his suffering, but instead, he allowed him to endure unnecessary hardship.”
On August 2, 2023, Graham appeared before Hamilton Sheriff Court to face charges related to the mistreatment of Bruiser. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the neglect, which had gone unnoticed until a concerned caller contacted the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline. The incident dates back to August 14, 2020, when inspectors responded to a report of a dog in extremely poor condition at Graham’s property on Muirhouse Avenue, Newmains, Wishaw.
Upon arrival, Scottish SPCA chief inspector Heather Lawson described the scene: “We found a male Staffordshire bull terrier cross, known as Bruiser, in a state of severe malnutrition. His ribs, spine, and hip bones were all prominently visible through his coat, which was in poor condition and covered in dandruff. The dog exhibited a hunched posture and appeared very subdued and quiet.”
Inspectors observed a large water bowl on the floor, which was covered in green algae. Graham explained that Bruiser drank excessively from this bowl, and to avoid frequent refills, he provided a larger container. During questioning, Graham admitted that Bruiser was underweight and claimed he was trying to improve his condition by feeding him pasta alongside his usual dog food.
Concerned for the dog’s welfare, the inspectors removed Bruiser from the property and took him to a veterinary surgeon for a thorough examination. The vet found that Bruiser weighed only 13.8 kilograms, significantly less than the typical weight range of 18 to 20 kilograms for his breed. The dog had lost considerable muscle mass, especially in the hindquarters, and the harness he wore was too large, indicating recent weight loss.
Additionally, Bruiser’s coat was foul-smelling and covered in dandruff, further evidence of neglect. The veterinary assessment concluded that there was no underlying medical condition causing the weight loss; rather, it was attributed to inadequate nutrition and poor diet management.
Following his rescue, Bruiser was placed in the care of an SSPCA rescue and rehoming centre, where he quickly regained weight and strength through a proper diet of commercially available dog food. His recovery highlighted the severity of his previous suffering and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Graham’s sentencing reflected the seriousness of his actions. He was fined £450 and received a two-year ban on owning dogs, which will expire in August 2025. The court’s decision was welcomed by animal welfare groups, who emphasized that Bruiser’s suffering could have been easily prevented had Graham taken appropriate steps to care for his pet.
Heather Lawson from the Scottish SPCA stated, “Although Graham was aware that Bruiser was in poor condition, he did nothing to address the situation. Proper nutrition and care could have alleviated his suffering, but instead, he allowed him to endure unnecessary hardship.”