PETER REID OF PETERHEAD SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE AND DEATH OF DOGS
| Red Rose Database
Peterhead Animal Abuser
Peter James Reid, born 13 December 1989 and residing on Skene Street, Peterhead AB42 1LF, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting two dogs, which resulted in the death of one. Reid left the dogs in a caravan without food or water; one dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier named Russia, succumbed to starvation. The Scottish SPCA was alerted by a member of the public and responded to the scene — a caravan where the dogs were kept. An inspector observed Russia lying deceased in a corner, alongside another dog described as 'clearly distressed.' Neither animal had access to food or water.
Photographs taken by the SPCA inspector showed the caravan’s interior, with a dog found dead and another clearly suffering. A veterinary post-mortem confirmed Russia died from starvation and dehydration. Following an investigation, Reid admitted to causing unnecessary suffering through neglect.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Watson commented, 'This is a horrific case of animal neglect which resulted in the death of Russia, a brindle Staffordshire bull terrier.' He added, 'Reid left Staffy Flash to starve to death.'
The inspector recounted, 'We responded to a call about an ill dog lying next to a dead dog in or near an empty caravan. When I entered, the floor and soft furnishings were covered in faeces and urine, with an overpowering smell, and the carpet squelched underfoot.'
He observed Flash, a Labrador and Staffordshire bull terrier cross, on the sofa area, visibly distressed — barking, lunging, and pacing. Nearby, Russia was found deceased, emaciated, with ribs, spine, and pelvis bones clearly visible. An empty food bowl was noted, but no food or water was accessible.
The vet’s post-mortem indicated Russia’s death was due to prolonged starvation and dehydration, a process taking an estimated three to four weeks. Flash was assessed with a body condition score of 1.5 out of 5, weighing 23kg — below the expected 28-40kg for his breed. His ribs were easily felt, and he had no fat cover.
Reid was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and lifetime bans on owning animals. Inspector Watson emphasized, 'This truly heartbreaking case highlights the importance of proper care, which could have prevented the suffering and death of Russia.'
The Scottish SPCA expressed approval of the sentencing and continues to advocate for animal welfare.
Photographs taken by the SPCA inspector showed the caravan’s interior, with a dog found dead and another clearly suffering. A veterinary post-mortem confirmed Russia died from starvation and dehydration. Following an investigation, Reid admitted to causing unnecessary suffering through neglect.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Watson commented, 'This is a horrific case of animal neglect which resulted in the death of Russia, a brindle Staffordshire bull terrier.' He added, 'Reid left Staffy Flash to starve to death.'
The inspector recounted, 'We responded to a call about an ill dog lying next to a dead dog in or near an empty caravan. When I entered, the floor and soft furnishings were covered in faeces and urine, with an overpowering smell, and the carpet squelched underfoot.'
He observed Flash, a Labrador and Staffordshire bull terrier cross, on the sofa area, visibly distressed — barking, lunging, and pacing. Nearby, Russia was found deceased, emaciated, with ribs, spine, and pelvis bones clearly visible. An empty food bowl was noted, but no food or water was accessible.
The vet’s post-mortem indicated Russia’s death was due to prolonged starvation and dehydration, a process taking an estimated three to four weeks. Flash was assessed with a body condition score of 1.5 out of 5, weighing 23kg — below the expected 28-40kg for his breed. His ribs were easily felt, and he had no fat cover.
Reid was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and lifetime bans on owning animals. Inspector Watson emphasized, 'This truly heartbreaking case highlights the importance of proper care, which could have prevented the suffering and death of Russia.'
The Scottish SPCA expressed approval of the sentencing and continues to advocate for animal welfare.