KEVIN HUTCHEN FROM MONTROSE SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL DOG STABBING IN VICTORIA STREET

In a disturbing incident that shocked the community of Montrose, Kevin Hutcheon, a known offender with a history of criminal activity, was found guilty of animal cruelty after a violent attack on a dog named Rocco. The assault took place on Victoria Street in Montrose, where Hutcheon, who did not own the dog, claimed that Rocco had bitten his foot, prompting him to stab the animal multiple times with a knife.

According to court reports, police officers arrived at the scene to find Rocco, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, lying motionless and covered in blood. Despite suffering severe injuries, the dog managed to survive the attack. Sergeant James Robertson, who responded to the incident, described the scene, stating, "When I arrived, the dog was heavily covered in blood — it was soaked in blood and lifeless."

PC Rhiannon McDonald, also present at the scene, recounted Hutcheon's explanation for his actions. She noted that Hutcheon, who was not the owner of Rocco, claimed the dog had bitten him. She said, "[Hutcheon] had two small puncture wounds on his foot — he said he had been bitten on the foot and that he had stabbed the dog twice because he had been bitten." McDonald also mentioned that she had seen Rocco in the street before, describing him as a friendly and happy dog that allowed people to pet him.

Further investigation revealed a blood-stained knife found on a baby’s high chair at Hutcheon’s residence, indicating the severity of the attack. During his trial, Hutcheon insisted that he loved animals but felt he had no choice but to defend himself. He claimed, "He was trying to take a snap at either my face or my neck. I gave it a kick and the dog went for my foot. I love animals. He attacked me and wouldn’t let me go."

A veterinarian testified that Rocco would have died within an hour if not for prompt medical treatment. The dog had sustained multiple wounds, including a cut to his jugular vein, which could have been fatal.

Ultimately, a jury convicted Hutcheon of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by repeatedly stabbing Rocco with a knife, in violation of the Animal Health and Welfare Act. He was also found guilty of possessing a knife in Victoria Street following the attack. However, he was acquitted of other charges, including threatening two men and a woman at the property, headbutting the woman, and possessing a second knife.

Hutcheon received a sentence of 12 months in prison for the animal cruelty charge and an additional 21 months for the possession of a knife. The sentences were served concurrently, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions in Montrose.