PAISLEY MAN STEVEN FERGUSON ABUSES PUPPY KEIRA WITH BROKEN LEGS
Steven Edward Ferguson, a resident of Thrushcraig Crescent in Paisley, was convicted in 2016 for the cruel mistreatment of a young dog named Keira.Born on April 28, 1985, Ferguson’s case drew significant attention due to the prolonged suffering inflicted upon the one-year-old Staffy-border collie cross.
Between January and September of 2012, Ferguson was responsible for Keira’s care.
During this period, the dog suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures in her hind legs.
Despite the evident pain and distress, Ferguson failed to seek proper veterinary treatment for her injuries.
The first time Keira was taken to a veterinarian was when she was examined by a PDSA vet, who confirmed she had a broken femur.
However, Ferguson did not pursue further medical care, and over the following nine months, Keira’s condition worsened.
When she was eventually examined again, she was found to have sustained additional fractures in her hind legs, indicating ongoing neglect.
Tragically, Keira’s health deteriorated to the point where she was in such a poor state that she had to be euthanized.
The circumstances came to light after Keira managed to escape from Ferguson’s home and was found wandering the streets of Paisley on September 16, 2012.
Concerned members of the public spotted her struggling to walk and contacted the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA).
An inspector from the organization responded to the call and investigated the situation.
Prosecutor Joanne Gilmour, representing the procurator fiscal, explained that Keira was clearly in distress and suffering.
She was taken to a veterinarian for examination, which included X-rays revealing fractures in both hind legs.
The vet’s assessment indicated that these injuries had caused her significant pain and had been present for several weeks.
The veterinarian also noted that Keira’s injuries were the result of neglect, as she had not received the necessary medical attention on multiple occasions.
The extent of her injuries was so severe that the decision was made to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
At the time Keira was found, Ferguson was not immediately identified as her owner.
It was only after a month of investigation and a campaign to locate him that Ferguson was detained in connection with the case.
During the court proceedings at Paisley Sheriff Court, Ferguson admitted to failing to provide adequate treatment for the multiple fractures in Keira’s rear legs.
His neglect was considered serious enough to warrant a potential jail sentence of up to one year.
However, Sheriff Susan Sinclair chose to impose a less severe penalty.
Ferguson was sentenced to a 12-month Community Payback Order, which included 200 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he was banned from owning or keeping animals for five years, a ban that expired in April 2021.
Despite the gravity of his actions, Ferguson was allowed to leave the court as a free man, with the court emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and accountability in such cases.
