ANDREW ALEXANDER'S CRIME IN DUNDEE: DOG THEFT AND VIOLENCE IN THE CITY

Andrew Alexander, a man originally from Dundee who later resided in Ilford, London, became the focus of a high-profile animal cruelty and theft case that shocked the local community. Born on July 26, 1984, Alexander’s criminal history includes a conviction in 2019 for the theft of an 11-month-old pug named Pixie, a beloved pet who has since been believed to have died under suspicious circumstances.

Pixie was last seen alive on July 16, 2018, at her owner Kelly Deuchars’ flat in Stobswell, Dundee. Kelly had entrusted Alexander, her flatmate, with the care of the dog while she went out shopping. At the time, Pixie was a tiny, sleeping puppy, and Kelly explicitly told Alexander not to take her out. When Kelly returned home later that evening, she was shocked to find the flat empty and Pixie missing. Her concern grew as hours passed without any word from Alexander, who had left the flat earlier that day.

Kelly attempted to contact Alexander through a mutual friend, who reported that Alexander was angry and shouting down the phone, threatening to speak to Kelly later. Desperate for answers, Kelly went to Baxter Park, a well-known Dundee park, to ask dog walkers if they had seen Pixie or Alexander. No sightings were confirmed at that time. When Alexander finally returned home around 7:30 pm, he was alone, and his response to Kelly’s inquiry about Pixie was dismissive. He claimed that the dog had run off in Baxter Park at 4 pm and that he had been unable to find her. Strangely, Alexander also told Kelly that he was “away to jail,” though he did not elaborate on what he meant, and then left in a taxi to visit a girlfriend’s house.

Over the following days, Kelly posted appeals on Facebook, seeking help in locating Pixie. Her posts gained widespread attention, and the charity DogLost became involved, along with numerous reports from witnesses. Several sightings emerged, describing a man resembling Alexander carrying a small dog that appeared to be lifeless. Witnesses recounted seeing a man holding a pug-like dog in his arms, with one observer noting that the dog was very still and seemed utterly lifeless, which was unusual for a dog in such a position. Another witness, a young girl, reported seeing a man in Baxter Park pick up a pug by the neck and punch her in the face, though she was too frightened to intervene.

These sightings occurred as late as 7 pm on July 16, 2018, three hours after Alexander claimed Pixie had gone missing. Police Scotland responded to the case, issuing an appeal on July 27, 2018, for information. They described the man seen carrying the dog as being in his mid-30s to 40s, tall, with a large build, wearing a red t-shirt and blue shorts, possibly with stripes. CCTV footage confirmed sightings of a man matching this description in the area, and police urged the public to come forward with any relevant information, especially if they had seen the man mistreating a dog in Baxter Park or nearby streets.

Despite ongoing investigations, the case took a darker turn when, on July 31, 2018, reports emerged that a man had been charged in connection with Pixie’s disappearance. The legal proceedings revealed a bizarre defense from Alexander’s lawyer, Ian Houston, who argued that since Pixie was believed to be dead, she was “nobody’s property” and could not be stolen. This argument was based on the premise that the dog’s death rendered her property status null, despite the evident distress and the sightings of a lifeless dog.

During the court hearing, CCTV footage was presented showing Alexander carrying what appeared to be Pixie’s body through Dundee streets, causing anguish to her owner, Kelly. The court found Alexander guilty of theft, fining him £250. However, he was not charged with animal cruelty or mistreatment due to insufficient evidence. Additionally, Alexander faced charges of assaulting Kelly Deuchars in August 2019, which involved seizing her, placing her in a headlock, and spraying an irritant in her face. He was ordered to pay £250 each for the theft and assault.

Kelly and her supporters, including the Facebook group Justice for Pixie, expressed their frustration and grief over the case’s outcome. They believed justice had not been fully served, especially given the disturbing sightings and the apparent neglect of Pixie’s welfare. The case drew significant media attention, highlighting issues of animal cruelty and the need for stronger deterrents against such crimes.

Tragically, it was later reported that Andrew Alexander had died by January 2021, with sources suggesting his death was linked to drug use. His life, marked by violence and criminality, ended in squalor, reflecting the grim reality of his troubled existence. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of animal cruelty and the importance of justice for victims like Pixie.