PATRICK-MICHAEL MCCLUSKEY COATBRIDGE ANIMAL ABUSER ESCAPES BAN DESPITE HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

Patrick-Michael McCluskey, a teenager from Coatbridge, has been found guilty of neglecting his animals in a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the area. Born on June 1, 2004, McCluskey resided at 9 Selkirk Way in Coatbridge, where authorities discovered a home filled with household waste, clutter, and animal faeces, creating an environment that was clearly unsuitable for any living creature.

Despite multiple warnings and interventions from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), McCluskey continued to keep dogs and cats in deplorable conditions. The Scottish SPCA inspector, Jack Marshall, detailed the repeated efforts made to assist McCluskey, stating, “We had attended the address on Selkirk Way on several occasions between October 2017 and May 2022. We provided Patrick-Michael McCluskey with advice and support on how to care for his animals but unfortunately the conditions at the property continued to deteriorate.”

During these visits, authorities removed several animals from the property, including dogs and cats, in an attempt to safeguard their welfare. A prior report in May 2021 had already resulted in a warning from the fiscal regarding the poor conditions in which the animals were being kept. Despite these warnings, the situation did not improve.

Further concern arose in September 2022 when Police Scotland, responding to an unrelated matter, visited the property and became alarmed by the state of the premises. This prompted a warrant to be issued, leading to an inspection on September 14, 2022. Upon entry, investigators found the house overwhelmed with household waste, clutter, and animal faeces, creating an environment that was hazardous and unsuitable for any living beings.

At the property, two young dogs, a poodle-type named Lady and a husky named Lola, were discovered. Due to concerns for their health and safety, both animals were immediately removed and taken for veterinary examinations. The conditions they were found in were deemed unacceptable, and their removal was a necessary step to protect their welfare.

In court, McCluskey pleaded guilty to failing to provide a clean and safe environment for his animals. However, he was only given an admonition—a formal warning that is recorded as a conviction but does not include a ban on owning animals. This decision has sparked criticism from animal welfare advocates, who argue that the severity of the neglect warrants more serious penalties.

McCluskey’s mother, Sylvia Claire McCluskey, born on November 25, 1963, also appeared in court. She entered a not guilty plea, which was accepted by the judge, and she was not subjected to any penalties or bans.

Inspector Jack Marshall expressed his disappointment with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of holding offenders accountable. “It’s disappointing that this case has only resulted in an admonishment, as any responsible owner would have recognized that the conditions within the property were far from suitable for any animal or person to endure,” he said.

Overall, this case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare organizations in ensuring that neglectful owners are appropriately penalized and that animals are protected from environments that threaten their health and safety. The decision to issue only an admonition in this case has raised questions about the adequacy of current penalties for such neglect in Scotland.