JACKSON AITKEN'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN DENNY AND FALKIRK REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Denny, Falkirk Animal Abuser
Jackson Aitken, also known as Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, a resident of 210 Braes View in Denny, Falkirk, has been convicted of severe animal neglect and cruelty. Born around the year 2000, Aitken's case has drawn significant attention from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) due to the disturbing conditions in which multiple animals were found at his home.
Authorities had previously visited Aitken’s residence in Denny on two separate occasions, once in June 2019 and again in January 2022. During these visits, SSPCA inspectors provided advice and support to Aitken regarding proper animal care, and at that time, there were no immediate concerns about the animals' welfare. However, the situation deteriorated over time, culminating in a distressing discovery in July 2022.
On July 29, 2022, a concerned member of the public contacted the SSPCA, reporting that Aitken’s animals appeared to be neglected, with signs of being left alone for extended periods. Responding to this call, inspectors visited the property but found no one at home and could not see or hear any animals. Despite repeated attempts to make contact with Aitken over the following days, efforts were initially unsuccessful.
It was not until August 1, 2022, that inspectors managed to gain access to the property. Through the letterbox, they observed a small black dog confined within a crate. Over subsequent visits on August 2 and 3, the dog remained in the same crate, raising serious concerns about its welfare. The authorities then coordinated with the local housing officer to secure entry into the premises.
Upon entering the cluttered and hazardous home, the inspectors discovered a heartbreaking scene. Digger, a small black and white terrier-type dog, was still confined in a tiny cage with a pillow and a small amount of dirty water. Upstairs, they found a white and tan hamster named Spirit, who was lethargic and cold to the touch, indicating severe dehydration and illness. Also present were a rabbit and three mice, two of which appeared to be in reasonable condition. However, one male mouse, named Miko, was found with a large open wound on his side, which was later diagnosed as an abscess caused by a ruptured tumour. The wound had likely been causing Miko pain for several weeks or even months.
All the cages housing the animals were filthy, with no food or water provided. The conditions were deemed immediately dangerous to the animals’ health, prompting the SSPCA to remove them from the property for urgent veterinary examination. The vet confirmed that Miko’s wound was causing significant pain and that Spirit was severely dehydrated, having likely gone without water for at least a week. Despite efforts to save Spirit, the hamster’s health continued to decline, and it was euthanized on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering.
Throughout the investigation, Aitken met with SSPCA officials on one subsequent visit, but all further attempts to contact him have failed. The authorities expressed their relief that Aitken was eventually banned from owning animals and emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership. Aitken was sentenced to a three-year supervision order, an eight-month restriction of liberty order, and a 15-year ban on owning any animals in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare in the Falkirk area and beyond.
Authorities had previously visited Aitken’s residence in Denny on two separate occasions, once in June 2019 and again in January 2022. During these visits, SSPCA inspectors provided advice and support to Aitken regarding proper animal care, and at that time, there were no immediate concerns about the animals' welfare. However, the situation deteriorated over time, culminating in a distressing discovery in July 2022.
On July 29, 2022, a concerned member of the public contacted the SSPCA, reporting that Aitken’s animals appeared to be neglected, with signs of being left alone for extended periods. Responding to this call, inspectors visited the property but found no one at home and could not see or hear any animals. Despite repeated attempts to make contact with Aitken over the following days, efforts were initially unsuccessful.
It was not until August 1, 2022, that inspectors managed to gain access to the property. Through the letterbox, they observed a small black dog confined within a crate. Over subsequent visits on August 2 and 3, the dog remained in the same crate, raising serious concerns about its welfare. The authorities then coordinated with the local housing officer to secure entry into the premises.
Upon entering the cluttered and hazardous home, the inspectors discovered a heartbreaking scene. Digger, a small black and white terrier-type dog, was still confined in a tiny cage with a pillow and a small amount of dirty water. Upstairs, they found a white and tan hamster named Spirit, who was lethargic and cold to the touch, indicating severe dehydration and illness. Also present were a rabbit and three mice, two of which appeared to be in reasonable condition. However, one male mouse, named Miko, was found with a large open wound on his side, which was later diagnosed as an abscess caused by a ruptured tumour. The wound had likely been causing Miko pain for several weeks or even months.
All the cages housing the animals were filthy, with no food or water provided. The conditions were deemed immediately dangerous to the animals’ health, prompting the SSPCA to remove them from the property for urgent veterinary examination. The vet confirmed that Miko’s wound was causing significant pain and that Spirit was severely dehydrated, having likely gone without water for at least a week. Despite efforts to save Spirit, the hamster’s health continued to decline, and it was euthanized on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering.
Throughout the investigation, Aitken met with SSPCA officials on one subsequent visit, but all further attempts to contact him have failed. The authorities expressed their relief that Aitken was eventually banned from owning animals and emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership. Aitken was sentenced to a three-year supervision order, an eight-month restriction of liberty order, and a 15-year ban on owning any animals in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare in the Falkirk area and beyond.