A cruel self-styled “urban hunter” has been jailed after training his dogs to hunt deer and foxes .
Sean Ward, 27, was given seven months in prison and banned from keeping animals for 20 years after his activities were rumbled by the Scottish SPCA.
After a tip-off, special investigators for the animal watchdog seized main’s computer and phone, which revealed many photos and videos depicting barbaric activities against wild animals.
The original tip had related to a group of urban hunters using dogs to bait badgers and the trail soon led to Ward’s home in Port Glasgow.
In text messages Ward described setting dogs on a fox as ‘some buzz’ and a video in his possession showed a man restraining a live deer by its hind legs as other voices urge dogs to attack it.
Scottish SPCA undercover special investigations unit (SIU) chief inspector said after the sentencing at Greenock Sheriff Court last week: “In April 2018, our animal helpline received a call from a person concerned for a Jack Russell terrier type dog they had seen in a remote field with several injuries.
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“The injuries were thought to be consistent with badger baiting and the case was handed to and investigated by the SIU who have specialist knowledge and experience in investigating this type of offence.
“After analysing evidence, we were led to the residence of Ward and through a warrant seized an electronic device which contained video footage, images and text messages relating to animal fighting, hunting and trapping animals in order to set dogs on them.”
The SIU chief inspector added, “The deer which was filmed would have had no chance of escape and allowing it to be savaged by these dogs was a cruel and heinous act. It would have suffered a prolonged, painful death because of the dog attack.”
“This is a truly barbaric and horrific case which resulted in pain and suffering for the dogs in Ward’s care and the wild animals targeted for ‘fun’.
“We are glad the court has dealt with this and a prison sentence has been handed down. This punishment reflects the depravity of the crime.”
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The SPCA is discovering more and more cells of urban hunters across Scotland, with many using social media to brag about their misdeeds.
Ward pled guilty to keeping dogs for an animal fight contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, as well as possessing video of cruelty with the aim of passing it on.
• SPCA can be contacted on 03000 999 999
