MORAG JACKSON'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN STONEHOUSE: DOG BREEDER'S 15-YEAR BAN AND SHOCKING ANIMAL NEGLECT REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Stonehouse Animal Abuser
Morag Jackson, a woman born around 1962 and residing at Mid Lanrigg, Stonehouse, Larkhall ML9 3PD, has been at the center of a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has garnered significant attention from authorities and animal welfare organizations alike. Jackson, who previously faced a conviction in 2016 for operating an illegal dog breeding business, was found guilty of multiple offences under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, committed between July and September 2015.
Her latest conviction stems from the gross neglect of dozens of terrier dogs kept on her premises, known as West Town Farm in Stonehouse. The Scottish SPCA responded to a distress call from a concerned member of the public who reported deplorable conditions and inadequate care for the puppies and adult dogs housed there. Upon inspection, investigators discovered a scene of squalor and neglect that shocked even seasoned animal welfare officers.
Inspectors found the dogs confined within cramped pens situated between two wooden sheds and a garage. The environment was filthy, unhygienic, and lacked basic necessities such as sufficient bedding, clean water, and proper food. The water available was discolored and littered with debris, indicating a complete disregard for the animals’ health and well-being. The only food observed was a moldy container teeming with maggots, left out for a Yorkshire Terrier and her newborn pups, highlighting the neglect and poor management of the animals.
Further investigation into the garage revealed a West Highland Terrier-type bitch named Abbey, confined in a small pink carrier placed on a shelf. The carrier was covered with cloth, providing no bedding, food, or water, and was so small that the dog could not even turn around comfortably. Abbey was found to be severely underweight, suffering from a serious skin disease, and almost completely hairless, a clear sign of neglect and poor health.
In total, 36 dogs were rescued from the premises and taken into the care of Scottish SPCA centers across the country. While most of these animals made a full recovery, some required ongoing medical treatment due to the extent of their suffering. The case was described by Gary Aitken, Procurator Fiscal for Wildlife and Environment, as “one of the worst cases of gross, widespread and indiscriminate neglect which the Crown has dealt with in recent times.”
Mr. Aitken emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “These dogs were caused terrible and unnecessary suffering and Jackson failed to provide them with a suitable environment. We expect the highest standards of commercial dog breeders and are committed to working with the Scottish SPCA and the police to ensure that those who do not meet these standards are held to account.”
As a result of her actions, Jackson was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid community service and was banned from keeping dogs for a period of 15 years, a ban that will last until 2031. Additionally, all 36 dogs in her care were forfeited and placed into the custody of animal welfare organizations. Her previous conviction in 2016, which also involved illegal dog breeding, underscores a pattern of neglect and disregard for animal welfare.
In January 2017, authorities, including police and the Scottish SPCA, returned to Jackson’s residence to investigate reports that she was violating her ban on keeping animals. During this visit, Jackson attempted to obstruct the search and even physically assaulted a police officer by kicking him in the chest. Despite her resistance, four dogs were recovered and taken into protective custody.
Most recently, Jackson received a sentence of 200 hours of unpaid work for her latest offences, reaffirming the seriousness with which the justice system views animal cruelty and neglect in Scotland.
Her latest conviction stems from the gross neglect of dozens of terrier dogs kept on her premises, known as West Town Farm in Stonehouse. The Scottish SPCA responded to a distress call from a concerned member of the public who reported deplorable conditions and inadequate care for the puppies and adult dogs housed there. Upon inspection, investigators discovered a scene of squalor and neglect that shocked even seasoned animal welfare officers.
Inspectors found the dogs confined within cramped pens situated between two wooden sheds and a garage. The environment was filthy, unhygienic, and lacked basic necessities such as sufficient bedding, clean water, and proper food. The water available was discolored and littered with debris, indicating a complete disregard for the animals’ health and well-being. The only food observed was a moldy container teeming with maggots, left out for a Yorkshire Terrier and her newborn pups, highlighting the neglect and poor management of the animals.
Further investigation into the garage revealed a West Highland Terrier-type bitch named Abbey, confined in a small pink carrier placed on a shelf. The carrier was covered with cloth, providing no bedding, food, or water, and was so small that the dog could not even turn around comfortably. Abbey was found to be severely underweight, suffering from a serious skin disease, and almost completely hairless, a clear sign of neglect and poor health.
In total, 36 dogs were rescued from the premises and taken into the care of Scottish SPCA centers across the country. While most of these animals made a full recovery, some required ongoing medical treatment due to the extent of their suffering. The case was described by Gary Aitken, Procurator Fiscal for Wildlife and Environment, as “one of the worst cases of gross, widespread and indiscriminate neglect which the Crown has dealt with in recent times.”
Mr. Aitken emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “These dogs were caused terrible and unnecessary suffering and Jackson failed to provide them with a suitable environment. We expect the highest standards of commercial dog breeders and are committed to working with the Scottish SPCA and the police to ensure that those who do not meet these standards are held to account.”
As a result of her actions, Jackson was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid community service and was banned from keeping dogs for a period of 15 years, a ban that will last until 2031. Additionally, all 36 dogs in her care were forfeited and placed into the custody of animal welfare organizations. Her previous conviction in 2016, which also involved illegal dog breeding, underscores a pattern of neglect and disregard for animal welfare.
In January 2017, authorities, including police and the Scottish SPCA, returned to Jackson’s residence to investigate reports that she was violating her ban on keeping animals. During this visit, Jackson attempted to obstruct the search and even physically assaulted a police officer by kicking him in the chest. Despite her resistance, four dogs were recovered and taken into protective custody.
Most recently, Jackson received a sentence of 200 hours of unpaid work for her latest offences, reaffirming the seriousness with which the justice system views animal cruelty and neglect in Scotland.