CHRISTOPHER GORMAN'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN AIRDRIE: PUPPY TRAFFICKER AND DOG ABUSER SENTENCED

Christopher Gorman, a man notorious for his involvement in puppy trafficking and animal cruelty, has been at the center of multiple criminal cases that have shocked the community in Airdrie and its surrounding areas. Born in May 1963, Gorman resided at 51 Killearn Crescent, Plains, near Airdrie, with his wife Karen Gorman and their son Christopher Gorman Jr. His activities, which included importing puppies from Lithuanian puppy farms and falsely claiming they were 'home-bred,' have led to severe legal repercussions.

Gorman’s first conviction was secured on 31 May 2017, following a detailed raid conducted by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) at his property in the village of Plains. Animal welfare officers discovered a disturbing scene: dozens of puppies and adult dogs living amidst their own feces, many suffering from serious health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, cherry eye, and open wounds. The conditions were so dire that one dog was deemed so ill that veterinary staff had no choice but to euthanize it immediately.

The investigation revealed that Gorman had been sourcing puppies from farms in Lithuania and England, then selling them to unsuspecting buyers, often under the guise of being 'home-bred.' The Scottish SPCA’s repeated visits to his property uncovered ongoing violations, with officers removing numerous animals from the premises. Despite these interventions, Gorman continued to buy and sell dogs independently, showing blatant disregard for animal welfare.

During the court proceedings, it was established that Gorman was guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to 45 dogs, including French bulldogs, by neglecting their basic needs and exposing them to unsanitary conditions. He was also charged with trading without a license and failing to provide adequate nutrition. Gorman, who owns a portfolio of properties valued at approximately £1.2 million, denied 11 charges related to neglect between June 2015 and January 2016. However, Sheriff Derek O’Carroll declared Gorman unfit to care for any animals and prohibited him from doing so until at least 2027.

In mitigation, Gorman’s defense attorney, Lewis Kennedy, argued that personal issues, including a marriage breakdown in 2015 and ongoing family strains, had distracted him from proper care. The court was told that these circumstances contributed to his reckless conduct rather than malicious intent. Gorman was fined £500 and received a ban from keeping animals for ten years, along with a six-month tagging order.

Further investigations by the Scottish SPCA revealed Gorman’s continued involvement in animal cruelty. In September 2017, he faced additional charges for keeping dogs and puppies in appalling conditions and physically abusing them with a stick. The case involved 11 mastiff dogs kept in filthy, overcrowded conditions in his backyard. Witnesses reported hearing aggressive barking and observed Gorman striking the dogs with a large piece of wood. The police and Scottish SPCA executed a search, uncovering dogs living in squalor, with large amounts of feces covering the yard.

During the search, two mastiff puppies were found in a room adjacent to the kitchen, one of which was dead, and the other had to be euthanized after suffering from parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease. The post-mortem confirmed the cause of death, highlighting the neglect and failure to seek veterinary care. Sara Shaw, head of the wildlife and environmental crime unit, condemned Gorman’s actions, emphasizing the widespread neglect and unnecessary suffering inflicted upon the animals.

Gorman’s cruelty was further underscored by footage of him repeatedly striking dogs with a wooden stick, captured by a witness and used as evidence in court. The court heard that Gorman’s priorities appeared to be profit-driven, with little regard for the health and well-being of the animals in his care. The conditions in his backyard were described as filthy, with no segregation between animals, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

In October 2017, Gorman was sentenced to pay a fine of £2,600 and was banned from keeping animals for life. The court’s judgment reflected the severity of his neglect and abuse, emphasizing that he had failed to meet the high standards expected of professional dog breeders. The case also prompted authorities to investigate Gorman’s financial dealings, including a probe into proceeds of crime and a potential six-figure tax demand from HM Revenue & Customs, suggesting he may have profited significantly from his illegal activities.

Throughout these proceedings, Gorman maintained a stance of denial, blaming external factors and denying responsibility despite overwhelming evidence of his misconduct. His actions have left a lasting scar on the community and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the region.