CONRAN CONNOR FROM WISHAW JAILED FOR BADGER BAITING AND ANIMAL FIGHTING IN MOTHERWELL
| Red Rose Database
Wishaw Animal Abuser
Conran Connor, born on December 1, 1998, and residing at 61 Gateside Road, Wishaw ML2 7SB, was convicted in 2020 for horrific animal cruelty crimes involving badger baiting. He was sentenced to five months in prison after admitting to training three dogs for dog fighting and orchestrating illegal badger baiting activities.
Connor’s crimes came to light when a Patterdale terrier was found with severe injuries consistent with badger baiting, injuries so grave that the dog had to be euthanized by veterinary staff. Further investigation, conducted by the Scottish SPCA, uncovered knives in Connor’s home contaminated with badger blood and DNA, indicating his involvement in illegal activities.
The probe revealed that Connor had dug up badger setts in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, preparing for violent fights where dogs were set upon badgers. Evidence suggested he was directly involved in animal fighting and badger baiting operations.
An Scottish SPCA undercover inspector stated: “We became aware of Connor following an enquiry into an abandoned Patterdale terrier, found in the Carnwatch/Carluke area, which had injuries consistent with badger baiting and fighting. The dog had to be euthanised due to the extent of his injuries. Our investigation led to Connor’s home, where we discovered evidence suggesting his involvement in animal fighting.”
The inspector continued: “We recovered proof that Connor had discussed purchasing dogs for fighting and had engaged in conversations related to animal fighting. Items found included magazines and books about hunting and fighting dogs with wild animals, hunting clothing, devices used to lure foxes called fox callers, a torch identical to one used during badger sett excavations, and knives—many containing badger blood and DNA, thanks to analysis by SASA.”
Additional evidence included photographs of Connor with dead wild animals, his dogs at badger baiting sites, and men digging into woodland at night, activities associated with badger baiting. Images also showed his dogs with injuries consistent with fighting.
The Scottish SPCA described Connor’s actions as depraved and harmful, noting that he showed complete disregard for animal welfare, inflicted extreme suffering on wild animals, and attached his own dogs to severe risk without veterinary care.
Initially, Connor was sentenced to 21 weeks in prison and a 15-year ban on owning or controlling any animals. However, this sentence was later overturned on appeal, and Connor was instead ordered to perform 130 hours of unpaid community service. His lawyer, Jackson Bateman of Charles Ferguson Solicitors, argued that Connor, then 18 years old and from a family that permitted such behaviors, should not have been jailed, requesting a lesser sentence.
The Scottish SPCA’s Investigations Unit, which specializes in tackling animal fighting crimes, emphasized the importance of public support in their efforts to combat this cruelty.
Connor’s crimes came to light when a Patterdale terrier was found with severe injuries consistent with badger baiting, injuries so grave that the dog had to be euthanized by veterinary staff. Further investigation, conducted by the Scottish SPCA, uncovered knives in Connor’s home contaminated with badger blood and DNA, indicating his involvement in illegal activities.
The probe revealed that Connor had dug up badger setts in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, preparing for violent fights where dogs were set upon badgers. Evidence suggested he was directly involved in animal fighting and badger baiting operations.
An Scottish SPCA undercover inspector stated: “We became aware of Connor following an enquiry into an abandoned Patterdale terrier, found in the Carnwatch/Carluke area, which had injuries consistent with badger baiting and fighting. The dog had to be euthanised due to the extent of his injuries. Our investigation led to Connor’s home, where we discovered evidence suggesting his involvement in animal fighting.”
The inspector continued: “We recovered proof that Connor had discussed purchasing dogs for fighting and had engaged in conversations related to animal fighting. Items found included magazines and books about hunting and fighting dogs with wild animals, hunting clothing, devices used to lure foxes called fox callers, a torch identical to one used during badger sett excavations, and knives—many containing badger blood and DNA, thanks to analysis by SASA.”
Additional evidence included photographs of Connor with dead wild animals, his dogs at badger baiting sites, and men digging into woodland at night, activities associated with badger baiting. Images also showed his dogs with injuries consistent with fighting.
The Scottish SPCA described Connor’s actions as depraved and harmful, noting that he showed complete disregard for animal welfare, inflicted extreme suffering on wild animals, and attached his own dogs to severe risk without veterinary care.
Initially, Connor was sentenced to 21 weeks in prison and a 15-year ban on owning or controlling any animals. However, this sentence was later overturned on appeal, and Connor was instead ordered to perform 130 hours of unpaid community service. His lawyer, Jackson Bateman of Charles Ferguson Solicitors, argued that Connor, then 18 years old and from a family that permitted such behaviors, should not have been jailed, requesting a lesser sentence.
The Scottish SPCA’s Investigations Unit, which specializes in tackling animal fighting crimes, emphasized the importance of public support in their efforts to combat this cruelty.