HECTOR FINDLAY'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN BELLSHILL: WESTIE BEATEN WITH HAMMER AND DUMPED ALIVE

In September 2011, a disturbing case of animal cruelty unfolded in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, involving Hector Findlay, a resident of 12 Warnock Crescent. The incident centered around the brutal treatment of a 15-year-old West Highland terrier named Ben, who was subjected to unimaginable violence by his owner.

According to reports, Findlay returned home to discover that his elderly dog had fouled the floor of a recently decorated room. In a fit of rage and cruelty, he took the defenseless animal outside. Instead of providing care or seeking help, Findlay proceeded to violently assault Ben by repeatedly smashing his skull with a hammer. The attack was so severe that the dog was left critically injured, yet still alive when he was discarded.

Findlay then disposed of the injured dog by placing him in a wheelie bin, a callous act that shocked those who later found him. His family, alarmed by the incident, contacted the police. When authorities arrived, they discovered Ben in a state of severe injury, which ultimately led to the decision to euthanize him due to the extent of his suffering.

The case drew widespread condemnation from animal welfare organizations and members of the Scottish Parliament, who demanded strict punishment for Findlay. Despite the outrage, Findlay was not sentenced to prison. Instead, he received a community payback order requiring him to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for a period of five years, a restriction that expired in 2016.

Additional details emerged during the court proceedings held at Hamilton Sheriff Court. On November 3, 2011, Findlay, born on August 8, 1955, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary cruelty to an animal. The court was told that Findlay had a long-standing problem with alcohol, which had contributed to his loss of employment in June 2011. He was also facing charges for an unrelated offense, which he attributed to his alcohol issues.

During the hearing, Findlay’s lawyer acknowledged the severity of his actions, describing them as “appalling,” but emphasized that there was little mitigation to be offered. The lawyer also highlighted that Findlay had admitted to his family what he had done, which was seen as a positive step. The court heard that Findlay had been ostracized by his local community and had received death threats, which were reported to the police. Despite this, his wife and teenage children stood by him.

In the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense. Findlay, who appeared to be no taller than 5 feet 6 inches, sat quietly as his case was called. His lawyer pleaded with the judge to avoid a custodial sentence, arguing that Findlay, at 56 years old, posed no threat to the community. The judge agreed, opting instead for a community service order and a ban on animal ownership. The court clarified that under Scots Law, Findlay could have faced up to six months in jail, but he was allowed to walk free from court, leaving behind a trail of outrage and questions about justice for the innocent Westie he so brutally attacked.