STEWART MILNE'S CRUELTY IN DUNDEE: DOG BOILED WITH WATER AND LEFT TO SUFFER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Dundee, Stewart John Milne, born on May 29, 1988, and residing at St Columba Gardens, was found guilty of causing severe suffering to his pet dog, Buddy. The incident unfolded when Milne, claiming to have experienced an epileptic fit while preparing a cup of tea, accidentally poured boiling water over his defenseless Staffy. This explanation was accepted by the court, but the subsequent neglect in seeking veterinary care for Buddy’s extensive burns led to criminal charges.

Buddy, the unfortunate victim, endured agonizing skin injuries after the incident. Despite the severity of his burns, Milne admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog. He also faced charges for possessing a knife, which he stated he carried for protection, especially after the neglect charges became public knowledge. The court proceedings revealed that Milne failed to take Buddy to a veterinarian for proper treatment, instead only applying antiseptic cream to the burns, which was insufficient for such serious injuries.

At Dundee Sheriff Court, Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC sentenced Milne to a total of 320 days in jail. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) played a significant role in the investigation and expressed their concern over the case. Inspector Karen Cooper described Buddy’s condition, noting that although he initially responded well to treatment, he later developed a chronic skin disease. This condition ultimately led to the dog being euthanized, as veterinary professionals advised that his suffering was no longer manageable.

During the court hearing, it was emphasized that Milne’s failure to seek urgent veterinary care after the incident demonstrated a blatant disregard for Buddy’s well-being. Sheriff Drummond remarked on the gravity of the neglect, stating, “The charge concerning the lack of care for your dog is particularly concerning and the dog must have suffered quite a lot at your hands.”

Inspector Cooper further explained that Buddy’s wounds were extensive, with some scabbed over and infected with yellow pus, indicating the severity of the infection and pain. She highlighted that the injuries resulted from Milne’s epileptic fit, during which he spilled boiling water onto the dog. A responsible owner, she noted, would have immediately sought veterinary assistance, but Milne’s actions—or lack thereof—allowed Buddy to endure unnecessary suffering.

While the court acknowledged the initial response to Buddy’s injuries, the subsequent neglect and failure to provide proper medical treatment were deemed criminal. The sentence included 145 days specifically for the animal cruelty offense. Despite the severity of the case, Milne was not banned from owning animals in the future. The Scottish SPCA expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and urged Milne to reflect seriously on his capacity to care for animals moving forward.