LUKE KILDARE FROM MACDUFF FACES JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO PUPPY INJURED IN MACDUFF

In a distressing case that has shocked the community of Macduff, Luke Kildare, born around 1983 and residing at The Hythe, was found guilty of neglecting a young puppy named Fatty after the animal was severely injured in an incident on February 1, 2021. The incident involved Fatty, an 18-week-old shepherd cross, who was struck by a vehicle on the streets of Macduff, leaving him in excruciating pain and in urgent need of veterinary care.

According to court proceedings, Kildare failed to take immediate action to help the injured puppy. The dog was suffering from a broken leg, which was visibly swollen and bloodied, with broken nails and scratches on his paws, injuries consistent with being hit by a car. Despite the obvious signs of trauma, Kildare refused to seek veterinary treatment for Fatty, leaving him in pain for at least two hours after the accident.

Fiscal depute Ellen Barr told Banff Sheriff Court that the incident was reported to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) at 6:05 pm. A witness, concerned about Kildare’s apparent neglect, contacted the SSPCA after observing the situation. When an SSPCA officer arrived at Kildare’s residence, they were allowed inside. During the visit, the officer received a second call from another concerned individual who had heard a “horrendous scream” emanating from the street, which she recognized as the sound of a distressed dog.

The witness recounted seeing Kildare carrying the puppy, Fatty, while holding a tin of beer, a shopping bag, and attempting to light a cigarette. She offered to take Kildare and the injured dog to a veterinarian, but he declined. Instead, Kildare agreed to bring the puppy onto her porch so she could examine the injuries under the light. She observed that Kildare held the dog dazed in his arms and claimed the injuries looked minor, despite the obvious signs of severe trauma.

Further inspection by SSPCA officers revealed the true extent of Fatty’s injuries. The puppy was found lying on a sofa, clearly in shock, with his right leg fractured and swollen to twice the size of his left leg. The injuries included broken nails and scratches on the paw pads, all indicative of being struck by a vehicle. When touched, Fatty howled in pain, and it was evident that he was suffering immensely. Despite this, Kildare falsely told officers that the accident had occurred only an hour earlier, at 5:40 pm, when witnesses confirmed it had happened earlier, around 5:40 pm.

Due to Kildare’s refusal to seek veterinary care, the puppy was left in pain for hours, which the SSPCA described as causing unnecessary suffering. The officers eventually seized Fatty and took him to a veterinary clinic in Fraserburgh that same night. The veterinary team provided immediate treatment, including surgery, pain relief with methadone administered via IV, and anti-inflammatory medication. The puppy was also extremely hungry and thirsty, which was addressed during his treatment.

X-rays confirmed the severity of Fatty’s injuries, revealing a fractured right leg. Kildare was eventually persuaded to sign over ownership of the dog to the SSPCA, who then ensured he received the necessary medical attention. The veterinary assessment rated Fatty’s pain at 4 out of 5, and he was unable to bear weight on his injured leg. The treatment included pain management and supportive care to aid his recovery.

During the court proceedings, Kildare pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. His legal representative described him as a talented head chef who had turned to substance abuse, which may have contributed to his neglect. The lawyer also stated that Fatty’s mother remained in Kildare’s ownership and was being cared for by a friend while Kildare served a prison sentence, which is expected to last until at least August 2024.

Sheriff Robert McDonald addressed Kildare directly, emphasizing that this case was not necessarily about persistent neglect but rather about a failure to recognize the severity of the injuries and the need for veterinary intervention, regardless of financial constraints. Kildare, currently incarcerated at HMP Grampian, was fined £790, a sum he was unable to pay. As an alternative, he was sentenced to 28 days’ imprisonment, to run concurrently with his existing sentence for a violent offence, meaning he would not serve additional jail time.

In response to the case, Scottish SPCA inspector Fiona Mckenzie expressed her disappointment, stating, “Fatty should have been seen by a vet immediately after the incident. Kildare’s failure to seek veterinary treatment undoubtedly caused this young puppy immense suffering. Although we’re glad he received a fine, we would have preferred a ban on him keeping animals due to his disregard for Fatty’s well-being. We sincerely hope he reconsiders his ability to care for any animal in the future.”