KIERAN CASSIDY FROM COATBRIDGE SENTENCED AFTER HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, Kieran Cassidy has been found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving two dogs. Cassidy, who resided in an abandoned property in the area, deliberately left a large XL Bully-type dog named Poser to die a slow and agonizing death by starvation. The dog was confined in a room with no access to food or water, and the neglect was so severe that Poser’s emaciated condition was evident during the investigation.

Adding to the tragedy, a second dog, a smaller breed known as Chopper, was also discovered dead at the same property. Due to advanced decomposition, the exact cause of Chopper’s death could not be conclusively determined, but the presence of two deceased animals at the site raised serious concerns about Cassidy’s treatment of his pets.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Jack Marshall provided a detailed account of the scene. He explained, “In December 2023, we received a call reporting the discovery of a deceased dog within the property rented by Cassidy. The premises were in a deplorable state, cluttered with household rubbish and animal feces. Several doors and sections of walls had been damaged or destroyed, indicating neglect and possible previous disturbances.”

Inspector Marshall continued, “In the rear bedroom, we found Poser lying on the floor, visibly emaciated and surrounded by debris. It appeared that the dog had collapsed and died after suffering from prolonged starvation. In the front bedroom, Chopper was found on the bed, covered with blankets and duvet, but in a more advanced stage of decomposition, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death.”

Both bodies were transported for post-mortem examinations. The results revealed that Poser’s death was most likely caused by starvation, and the dog had endured significant unnecessary suffering. The post-mortem also indicated that Poser had resorted to eating plastic and rubbish in a desperate attempt to survive. The cause of Chopper’s death remained inconclusive due to decomposition, but the circumstances suggested neglect.

During questioning, Cassidy claimed that he returned to the property to find the two dogs fighting, with Poser having killed Chopper. He stated that he then shut Poser in the back bedroom. However, authorities dismissed this explanation as insufficient and barbaric, given the evidence of neglect and suffering.

In sentencing, Cassidy received a jail term of 60 days and was subjected to a 10-year disqualification order, which applies solely to owning or caring for dogs. The court acknowledged that while a 10-year ban is significant, it should have been a lifetime ban considering the severity of the cruelty involved. Inspector Marshall expressed his disapproval of Cassidy’s actions, emphasizing that his failure to take any appropriate steps to ensure the welfare of his animals was utterly unacceptable and barbaric. The case has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and residents of Coatbridge, who demand stricter measures to prevent such cruelty in the future.