MUSSELBURGH MAN DAVID WATTERS FACES ANIMAL CARE BAN AFTER CRUELTY TO FRENCH BULLDOG TYSON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Musselburgh, David Watters, born circa 1988 and residing on High Street, was found guilty of neglecting his family’s pet, a French bulldog named Tyson. The dog, which Watters purchased for £2,000, suffered from severe health issues due to prolonged neglect, ultimately leading to his euthanasia.

Tyson, a six-year-old dog, was taken into care by Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) inspectors after concerns about his welfare were raised. Upon examination, inspectors discovered that Tyson was in a state of significant distress, with scarred eyes, missing teeth, and signs of infection. The condition of the dog was so dire that veterinary professionals confirmed he was suffering from dry eye syndrome, a painful condition caused by inadequate tear production, which had gone untreated for at least four months.

Watters initially took Tyson to a veterinarian, but he claimed that the birth of three children and financial difficulties prevented him from seeking ongoing treatment for the dog’s health issues over a period of three years. During court proceedings, Watters admitted to failing to provide proper care and neglecting to seek veterinary assistance for Tyson’s eye, ear, and dental problems. The court heard that Tyson’s eyes were dry, inflamed, and scarred, which ultimately resulted in blindness. The vet’s report indicated that the dog’s condition had been worsening for months, and despite attempts at surgery, the decision was made to euthanize Tyson as the most humane option.

Prosecutor Ruaridh Allison explained that concerns about Tyson’s suffering had been communicated to SSPCA inspectors, leading to the dog’s rescue. The veterinary assessment revealed that Tyson’s ears showed signs of infection, with scarring and narrowing of the ear canal, and he was missing several teeth, with significant tartar buildup and bad breath. It was confirmed that Tyson had not been taken to a vet in over three years, despite the visible signs of illness.

During the court hearing, Watters admitted to causing Tyson unnecessary suffering between May 14 and September 14, 2021. His defense lawyer, Cameron Tait, explained that Watters had bought Tyson in 2015 and had taken him to the vet multiple times for skin issues, which were costly to treat. Tait also highlighted that by 2021, Watters was the sole breadwinner, earning approximately £400 weekly as a landscaper and laborer, and that his family had grown to include three more children. He argued that under these financial pressures, Tyson’s welfare was no longer his top priority and that Watters should have surrendered the dog to a charity or the SSPCA before his neglect worsened.

Sheriff John Cook addressed the court, emphasizing the tragic nature of the case. He stated, “This is a sad case where a family pet became too expensive to look after,” and criticized Watters for not taking responsibility sooner. The sheriff sentenced Watters to a fine of £360 and imposed a three-year ban on owning animals, which will expire in October 2025.

Following the case, the Scottish SPCA expressed satisfaction with the outcome. June Chalcroft, an inspector with the organization, recounted her visit to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home on September 14, 2021, where Tyson was handed in by a member of the public. She described Tyson as a grey and white male French bulldog with scabs on both eyes and a white glaze over them, indicating blindness. Chalcroft noted the thickened left ear, which was likely due to an untreated haematoma, and the presence of dental disease, missing teeth, and bad breath. The inspector confirmed that Tyson’s condition was so severe that euthanasia was deemed necessary on welfare grounds.

Chalcroft emphasized that dry eye syndrome, which Tyson suffered from, is typically manageable with proper medication, and that any responsible owner would have noticed the signs and sought veterinary help. She expressed hope that the court’s decision would serve as a reminder of the importance of animal care and responsibility. The case has left a lasting impact on the Musselburgh community, highlighting the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws.