DAVE SCOTT'S HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE IN MORAY: SHOCKING ANIMAL NEGLECT AT DUFFTOWN ESTATE

David Scott, a former head gamekeeper from Moray, has been convicted of serious animal welfare offences after a disturbing investigation revealed the neglect and suffering of 14 dogs kept at his residence in Dufftown. The case unfolded following a police and Scottish SPCA raid on his home in September 2022, uncovering appalling conditions that shocked animal welfare officials and the local community alike.

Scott, born around 1989 and residing at Bridgehaugh, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4DS, admitted to a series of offences related to the neglect of the dogs. These included failing to provide proper care, veterinary treatment, and adequate living conditions. The court heard that Scott had been employed as a head gamekeeper at the prestigious Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estates until the police raid. During the investigation, authorities found the kennels to be in a deplorable state, with three separate enclosures described as “wet, extremely dirty,” and completely unacceptable for any living creature. The kennels lacked basic amenities such as dry sleeping areas, and the overwhelming smell of faeces and urine permeated the environment.

Further inspection revealed a barrel filled with rotten meat and fish, which was believed to be the dogs’ food, raising concerns about their nutritional intake. All 14 dogs were rescued and taken into the care of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). The animals were found to be suffering and in distress, with many displaying signs of neglect and untreated health issues. Scott admitted to causing unnecessary suffering and pain by neglecting their basic needs, including failing to seek veterinary assistance.

Among the neglected dogs were Ellie, a female harrier-type dog suffering from an ear mite infection that went untreated for weeks; Babatoots, a female spaniel with infected ears and gums; Toots, another spaniel with similar infections; and Sadie, a female spaniel suffering from chronic ear infections and conjunctivitis. These cases highlighted the extent of neglect and the failure to provide essential medical care.

In a plea bargain, Scott’s guilty plea was accepted for most charges, but some allegations were dropped. Notably, the Crown accepted a not guilty plea from his wife, Gillian Elizabeth Scott, regarding charges related to dog fighting and setting a dog on a snared fox. The court heard that Scott had trained a male black and tan dog named Boysie for fighting, with videos of the brawls taken at his home. However, this particular charge was not pursued further.

Additional allegations concerning Scott’s involvement in snaring a fox and allowing his dog to attack it on July 13, 2022, at the Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estates were also dropped. The court acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by the couple at the time, with defence counsel Callum Anderson explaining that Scott and his wife had been going through a challenging period, including the death of Mrs. Scott’s father and a medical issue around the time of the offences. Anderson stated that Scott recognized the conditions were “awful” and that the kennels had become so wet due to a “torrential storm” the night before the raid.

Gillian Scott still owns two dogs as pets, and her lapse in care was attributed to these personal hardships. The defence emphasized that the neglect was not intentional but a result of “dramatic circumstances.”

Following the investigation, Scott lost his position as head gamekeeper and was demoted, though he continued to earn a salary of over £40,000 annually, along with accommodation valued at approximately £15,000 per year. His legal representatives stated that Scott acknowledged the unacceptable nature of his actions and claimed that lessons had been learned.

During sentencing, Sheriff Robert McDonald expressed his disappointment with Scott’s failure to properly care for his animals. He emphasized that regardless of personal difficulties, animals require proper attention and care. The sheriff noted that Scott’s employment might have involved interactions with dogs during shoots, which made the case particularly serious. While the sheriff had the authority to impose a custodial sentence or a £20,000 fine, he chose to issue a fine of £1,275 and a ban on owning more than two dogs for three years, which will expire in September 2026. The court’s decision reflected the gravity of the neglect but also considered Scott’s circumstances and remorse.