NICO PETTIGREW FROM SCONE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER HORSE ATTACK IN PERTHSHIRE

A young man from Scone, Nico Pettigrew, narrowly avoided imprisonment after committing a disturbing act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and drew the attention of law enforcement authorities. The incident, which took place in Perthshire, involved Pettigrew deliberately assaulting a horse in a manner that has left many residents appalled and saddened.

According to court proceedings, the 18-year-old, along with a friend, engaged in a reckless and malicious act that was motivated by what they claimed was a desire for amusement. The pair was observed by witnesses as they approached the innocent animal, ostensibly under the pretense of feeding it. Witness Hilda Cochrane recounted the distressing scene, stating, “It was terrible. I heard the thump on the horse’s chest. It went down on all fours in shock. It was a shame. I am an animal lover. There was no need to hurt the horse.”

During the attack, Pettigrew struck the horse in the face, an act that resulted in him injuring his own hand from the force of the blow. Following this, he threw a rock at the animal, causing it to stumble and become visibly distressed. The incident was witnessed by others, including Mrs. Cochrane’s husband, Ronald, who reacted swiftly. He shouted at the teenagers to stop their cruelty, and when they fled the scene, he pursued them through the streets of Scone, even in his pyjamas, in an effort to confront them and prevent further harm.

Ronald Cochrane described the scene as deeply upsetting, saying, “My wife screamed and I ran out because I couldn’t take it any longer. It was a horrible thing to see.” The community was left shaken by the incident, which highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.

In court, Pettigrew attempted to justify his actions by claiming he was “an animal lover” and insisted he had not physically hit the horse, only throwing a stone into the field. He maintained that he was not close enough to cause any injury, a claim that was dismissed by Sheriff Michael Fletcher. The sheriff expressed skepticism about Pettigrew’s version of events and found him guilty of multiple offences, including punching the horse, throwing stones at it, and damaging property by smashing a bus shelter.

As a result of his convictions, Pettigrew was sentenced to an 18-month community payback order, which requires him to perform unpaid work. Additionally, he was mandated to attend drug treatment programs, reflecting the court’s concern over his overall conduct and the need for rehabilitation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of animal cruelty and the importance of accountability for such actions in the community of Scone and beyond.