EAST KILBRIDE MAN BILL SCOTT CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING SNAKE AND FERRETS

William Scott, a resident of East Kilbride, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, including a snake and five ferrets, over a period of two months. The conviction stems from a detailed investigation conducted by the Scottish SPCA, which uncovered severe neglect and poor living conditions that led to the suffering of these animals.

Scott, born around 1962 and originally from Prestonpans, East Lothian, was residing at 24 Elliot Crescent, Calderwood, East Kilbride, at the time of the incidents. He admitted to failing to provide adequate food, water, and proper living environments for his pets. The Scottish SPCA's animal welfare inspectors responded to concerns raised about the property, which was reported to have a strong, unpleasant odor and a significant fly infestation around the entrance.

On August 31, 2022, inspectors visited the property following a call from a local authority environmental health officer. The caller described the ferret hutch as being in poor condition, with the ferret inside visibly shaking and in a state of extreme weakness. Upon inspection, the inspectors found the ferret in a dire state—wobbly on its feet, trembling, and severely underweight. The hutch was filthy, with a large accumulation of feces, no bedding, and no other necessary provisions. Both water bottles found in the enclosure were empty, and the food bowl contained old, congealed, soggy food unfit for consumption.

Due to the ferret’s critical condition, immediate veterinary intervention was deemed necessary. The animal was taken for emergency treatment, where a veterinarian confirmed it was emaciated and dehydrated. The ferret required hospitalization for fluids and rehydration therapy, and it was later transferred to a recovery center for further care. The veterinary assessment concluded that the ferret had endured unnecessary suffering, and it remained hospitalized for approximately 48 hours before being moved to a dedicated care facility.

Further investigation revealed the overall poor state of the property. The inspectors observed a significant buildup of rubbish, household items, dirt, and grime throughout the premises. The strong, unpleasant smell persisted, and flies swarmed the environment. Inside the living room, a small metal cage housed four polecat-type ferrets. The cage was dirty and inadequate in size, but the ferrets appeared to be in good body condition and had access to water.

In a hazardous room, the inspectors discovered a vivarium containing an adult female dwarf hog island boa constrictor. The enclosure was filthy, with a buildup of dirt, shredded skin, feces, and urine. There was no water available for the snake, which appeared lethargic, thin, and mildly dehydrated. The snake exhibited lesions on its ventral scales and an infection on its tail. Its movements and reflexes were weak, and it was cold to the touch. The snake was immediately taken to an exotic specialist veterinarian for assessment, who confirmed that it had been subjected to months of unnecessary suffering due to unhygienic conditions, starvation, untreated health issues, and lack of veterinary care.

The veterinarian prescribed antibiotics and provided specialized care instructions. The snake was transported to a dedicated center for ongoing treatment and recovery. The inspectors noted that the snake’s condition was a direct result of Scott’s neglect and poor management of her environment.

Scott’s solicitor described him as a “lifelong dog breeder” and an “authority on hunting type dogs,” claiming that his own living conditions were “very poor due to his poor mental and physical health.” Despite these claims, Scott was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the ferrets and the snake. The court accepted his not guilty plea regarding a lurcher-type dog named Astor, which was also seized during the investigation and subsequently rehomed.

In sentencing, Scott was ordered to pay a fine of £420 and was banned from owning or keeping ferrets and snakes for five years, with the ban set to expire in February 2029. The court, presided over by Sheriff Colin Dunipace, rejected the prosecution’s request to disqualify Scott from keeping dogs, despite the fact that the lurcher was also taken from him. The Scottish SPCA expressed their satisfaction with the ban but noted their disappointment that it did not extend to all animals.

Regarding the investigation, a Scottish SPCA inspector stated: “On August 31, 2022, we received a call in relation to a property in Elliot Crescent in East Kilbride from a local authority environmental health officer. The caller noted a strong unpleasant smell emanating from the property and a large build-up of flies around the door of the property. They also reported that the ferret hutch was in poor condition, and the ferret himself was shaking.”

The inspector detailed the conditions inside the property, describing the ferret’s emaciated state, the filthy environment, and the inadequate living conditions for the other animals. The snake’s health issues were directly linked to the unhygienic environment and neglect. The Scottish SPCA emphasized their commitment to animal welfare and their efforts to ensure such cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.