ROBERT MORRISON'S CRUELTY IN CARLISLE: CHICKENS IN FILTHY CONDITIONS AND DEAD BIRDS CAST ASIDE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Carlisle, Robert Morrison, a Scottish gypsy with ties to Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, was found guilty of neglecting a large number of chickens and cockerels kept in deplorable conditions.Morrison, born on August 20, 1982, and residing at 5 Atchin Tan, Low Harker, Carlisle CA6 4DD, was at the center of a lengthy investigation that uncovered severe animal welfare violations.
The investigation was initiated by the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) in 2019, following reports of Morrison’s activities at an allotment in Glasson, Lancashire, approximately a 40-minute drive from his home.
The RSPCA officers observed Morrison tending to a number of cockerels at this site, raising suspicions about the treatment and living conditions of the birds.
This prompted a coordinated effort with Cumbria Police to execute warrants at three locations: Morrison’s residence, his vehicle, and the allotment where the birds were kept.
On October 2019, law enforcement officials raided these sites and discovered a total of 69 chickens and cockerels.
Many of these birds were emaciated, suffering from malnutrition and dehydration, and were confined within small, filthy enclosures that lacked basic enrichment.
The conditions were described as wet, muddy, and dirty, with no proper access to food or clean water.
The animals were kept in cramped spaces, pacing and circling out of boredom, indicating severe psychological distress.
During the search, officers uncovered the carcasses of dead birds hidden inside a blue bin, with some remains decomposing nearby on a rubbish tip.
Morrison admitted ownership and responsibility for the birds, but the extent of neglect was evident.
The RSPCA’s vet examined all the seized animals, many of which were suffering or had their needs unmet.
Sadly, one cockerel was taken to a local veterinarian but later died due to the poor conditions.
The remaining birds, which included 17 hens and the rest of the cockerels, were taken into private boarding facilities where they have been cared for while investigations continued.
The RSPCA and police worked together to ensure the animals’ safety and well-being, emphasizing the severity of Morrison’s neglect.
In response to the case, a spokesperson from Cumbria Police expressed their stance: “We welcome the outcome of this investigation.
This behaviour is unacceptable and we will continue to work in partnership with the RSPCA and other agencies to stop this type of unnecessary suffering.” As a result of the legal proceedings, Morrison was sentenced to a 15-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation order.
He was also ordered to pay £1,500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £90.
Legally, Morrison was deprived of all his birds, which now can be rehomed by the RSPCA.
Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping any birds for a period of seven years, reflecting the seriousness of his neglect and the need to prevent future incidents.
