Pet ban for cruel dog neglect couple

SSPCA seized 33 pups from breeding facility

- PAUL BEHAN

An Ayrshire couple have been disqualified from keeping or owning more than one dog for five years following the seizure of 33 as part of a five-year puppy dealing investigation by the Scottish SPCA.

Stephen and Hazel Hamilton of Newmilns, were also made subject of a community payback and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work over a period of 12 months.

The couple were sentenced on January 26 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

The husband and wife pled guilty to animal neglect charges at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on December 13, 2023.

They also pled guilty to failing to meet the needs of a number of dogs on the premises and failing to provide veterinary treatment for some of them, which led to pain and suffering for the animals.

The Scottish SPCA worked tirelessly for five years to bring the Hamiltons to justice.

Stephen Hamilton is originally from Northern Ireland where his family run large-scale dog breeding business, the UK Dog Breeding Academy, formerly known as Furnish Kennels.

A Scottish SPCA Special Investigation Unit Inspector said: "On Friday, November 27 2020, warrants to search two of the Hamilton's properties were executed simultaneously.

"Inspection of the premises showed signs of a regime consistent with puppy farming, where there is a large turnover of animals and profit is prioritised over well being.