WILLIAM BROWN OF PENICUIK FINED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN SCOTLAND

William Brown, a farmer from Herbertshaw Farm in Howgate near Penicuik, was convicted in 2020 after being filmed by an undercover PETA officer violently abusing two male sheep. The footage shows Brown punching and kicking the animals, while he is also heard shouting profanity such as "Come on ya fucking cunt" and "fucking bastards" at the frightened sheep.

Brown pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals by repeatedly assaulting them. He was fined £550 but was not prohibited from owning or working with animals. The Scottish SPCA expressed both satisfaction that Brown admitted to the offence and disappointment that the court did not impose a ban on him.

Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector John Chisholm commented, "This is a serious case of animal cruelty by an experienced farmer. He will be fully aware that sheep experience fear and can perceive humans as a threat. Violence towards the sheep spreads fear throughout the rest of the flock."

He added, "We expect anyone involved in livestock rearing for commercial purposes to adhere to the highest standards of welfare. We are disappointed that Brown wasn’t banned from owning or working with animals but hope this serves as a warning that such behaviour is unacceptable. We will fully investigate any reports of cruelty towards livestock and are open to discussing welfare practices with the industry."

The incident was reported by STV News and the Daily Record.