LIAM STEVENSON'S HORRIFIC BADGER BAITING CRIME IN ALLOA REVEALED

Liam Stevenson, a man with a disturbing history of wildlife cruelty, has been convicted in connection with a brutal case of animal abuse that took place in Alloa. Born on 28 February 1995, Stevenson was previously residing at 247 Ashley Terrace, Alloa FK10 2ND, but has since moved to Chapelhill Street, Kincardine, Alloa FK10 4QS. His involvement in the case came to light after he left his pet dog, Scooter, suffering from severe facial injuries that were consistent with badger baiting, a notorious and illegal form of animal cruelty.

Stevenson, who until recently was a director at his family's scaffolding company, Navigate Scaffolding Ltd, failed to seek veterinary treatment for his dog, which was found to be in a dire state. The injuries inflicted upon Scooter were extensive, including open wounds on his cheeks and an exposed jawbone. The dog also bore injuries caused by animal bites and scratches across his body, along with an eye infection. It was painfully evident that Scooter had been allowed to endure suffering for a significant period before any intervention was made.

Veterinary assessments revealed that Scooter's wounds were severe, with large, seeping wounds and exposed bone. The injuries to his face, particularly on both sides of his jaw, were consistent with the damage inflicted by a badger’s claws. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) noted that the injuries resembled those caused by badger baiting, a practice involving the brutal fighting of badgers, which is illegal and considered a form of animal cruelty. The injuries were described as crushing or tearing, typical of the powerful jaws and claws of badgers, rather than puncture wounds.

Stevenson’s involvement was uncovered after the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) received a report in February 2023 indicating that he had left his dog with untreated injuries. An SIU officer recounted that, upon investigation, they found Scooter in a dog crate within the hallway at the back door of Stevenson’s residence. The dog was visibly distressed, trembling, and whimpering. The open wounds on his underside of the jaw were fresh, seeping, and emitted a foul smell of decaying flesh, making the situation urgent.

Due to the immediate concern for Scooter’s welfare, the officers removed him from the premises and transported him to an independent veterinary practice for urgent treatment. The veterinarian confirmed the severity of the injuries, noting extensive wounds on Scooter’s face and multiple superficial wounds across his body. The vet also observed numerous scars, indicating that the dog had sustained injuries over a prolonged period. The most critical injuries were the full-thickness wounds on both sides of his jaw, with some areas exposing the jawbone and even holes in his cheeks that allowed a view into his oral cavity when his mouth was closed.

Veterinary experts explained that such injuries are characteristic of badger baiting, as badgers possess formidable jaw strength capable of inflicting crushing and tearing wounds. The injuries typically result from face-to-face combat, where the tearing action of the badger’s teeth and claws causes extensive damage. Stevenson’s account of purchasing Scooter from an anonymous seller in Ireland for 600 euros and taking the injured dog to his grandfather’s home in nearby Tower Way, Sauchie, was met with skepticism. Authorities believed that Stevenson was aware of the dog's injuries but chose not to seek immediate help.

Following the investigation, police located Scooter and took him into the care of the Scottish SPCA, where he received the necessary veterinary treatment. The organization expressed relief that Scooter was now safe and on the path to recovery. They highlighted that the dog had suffered immensely over a long period without proper medical attention. Thanks to the specialized veterinary care, Scooter has since been rehomed and is now living a life free from cruelty, as he deserves.

In court, Stevenson was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid community service and was banned from owning or keeping any animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in July 2034. The case has garnered significant attention from animal welfare groups and the local community, emphasizing the ongoing fight against illegal and inhumane wildlife practices in the Alloa area.