PRESTONPANS DOG CRUELTY CASE: RAKI ISLAM AND KEVIN MARTIN FACE JUSTICE IN SCOTLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates across East Lothian, Raki Islam, residing at 195 High Street, Prestonpans, has been found guilty of severe neglect and mistreatment of multiple dogs kept at her residence. The charges stem from a lengthy investigation into the living conditions and health issues faced by seven dogs under her care, alongside her co-accused, Kevin John Martin, born 16 November 1971, who was acquitted of the same charges.

Islam and Martin shared their home in Prestonpans, where the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) had repeatedly received reports over several years concerning the welfare of animals at their property and other locations in East and West Lothian. Inspector Fiona Thorburn, representing the Scottish SPCA, detailed the extensive efforts undertaken to uncover the truth behind these allegations. She explained that in June 2021, a crucial report was made to the charity’s animal helpline, accompanied by videos depicting 13 dogs confined in the rear garden of Islam’s property. The footage revealed appalling conditions: the yard was heavily contaminated with faeces, and the dogs appeared in a state of neglect, with some being underweight and nearly bald, their skin thickened and inflamed.

Authorities obtained a warrant from the procurator fiscal, leading to a joint operation involving police officers from Police Scotland and local authority officials. Entry into the property was forcibly executed, and what was discovered was deeply troubling. The 13 dogs were found in a garden that was heavily soiled with diarrhoea, faeces, and urine, with insufficient shelter to protect them from the elements. The overwhelming smell of filth was indicative of the neglect. Several of these animals exhibited severe skin conditions, with some suffering from extensive hair loss and painful, infected eyes and ears. Many were also underweight, highlighting the neglect they had endured.

Veterinary examinations confirmed that seven of the puppies were suffering from a heavy burden of demodectic mange, a parasitic skin disease typically associated with compromised immune systems. These puppies also had secondary infections affecting their skin, ears, eyes, feet, and genitals, causing significant pain and discomfort. Additionally, the puppies were diagnosed with giardiasis, a parasitic infection that causes severe diarrhoea and can be fatal if untreated. The presence of this parasite indicated active infection and ongoing shedding, posing a risk to other animals and humans alike.

The investigation revealed that Islam and Martin had failed to provide adequate care, shelter, or bedding for the dogs over a period spanning from July 1, 2019, to June 14, 2021. The neglect was not limited to poor living conditions but extended to allowing the animals to be exposed to their own waste, further exacerbating their suffering. Martin faced additional allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour at his Prestonpans residence on February 23, 2021.

During the court proceedings, Kevin Martin, who has a history of previous convictions for assault and violations of dog control notices, pleaded not guilty to all charges. His past criminal record includes a conviction for violence and associations with criminal elements. Despite this, the court accepted his plea. Islam, on the other hand, admitted to a single charge but, in a surprising turn, was admonished by the court and permitted to retain ownership of animals in the future. This decision drew criticism from the Scottish SPCA, with Inspector Thorburn expressing her disappointment. She stated, “We feel saddened that despite the time and effort we have taken putting together a case where Islam has been charged, she has only been admonished. We believe this decision will likely result in more dogs suffering unnecessarily in the future.”

The rescued dogs, after months of intensive veterinary care and rehabilitation, have now been placed in loving homes where their welfare can be properly maintained. Inspector Thorburn emphasized the importance of such interventions, noting that the dogs’ recovery was a testament to the dedication of the Scottish SPCA and the resilience of the animals themselves.

In a broader context, Kevin Martin’s history of animal welfare issues extends beyond Prestonpans. In 2015, the Daily Record reported on his dispute with neighbors over a herd of 24 pigs kept in inadequate conditions at his Magic Farm business in Willow Rise, Haddington. The pigs had been seized under animal welfare laws in 2014, and Martin’s appeal was dismissed by the Court of Session in Edinburgh. Martin’s contentious past also includes allegations of violence, associations with criminal figures, and a failed attempt to evade legal action through claims of discrimination. His history of controversial business ventures, including diamond mining in Sierra Leone and coconut imports from Bangladesh, paints a picture of a man with a complex and often troubled background.

Most recently, in March 2020, Martin was handed a three-year ban on owning dogs after allowing a large-breed dog, a Turkish Kangal named Mia, to roam freely and attack two of his neighbors’ pets. The attacks occurred on the grounds of the Whittingehame Estate, east of Haddington, where the dog inflicted injuries on a retriever and a terrier. The Kangal, bred for livestock protection, had been allowed out despite a dog control notice issued in 2018 following multiple complaints from residents. Martin claimed he purchased the dog as a livestock guardian to protect his poultry from foxes but denied ownership of the animal during court proceedings. His history also includes an incident where he was accused of assaulting sheriff officer Alex Horne during a visit to serve him a notice, an event that further underscores his troubled relationship with animal and community regulations.

Kevin Martin’s legal troubles culminated in convictions for failing to comply with the dog control notice and allowing his dog to attack other animals, as well as assaulting a sheriff officer. He was fined and ordered to perform community service, but the ongoing issues highlight a pattern of disregard for animal welfare and public safety. The case in Prestonpans serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws and the need for accountability among pet owners and animal carers.