Owner stabbed dog, tied it to a post then left the animal to die

May 14 2008 By Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

DOG owner James Smith, from Wishaw carried out a frenzied knife attack on his animal — and then left it tied to a post to die.

Animal welfare experts were disgusted by the extent of the injuries inflicted on the animal, which had to be put down after the stabbing because of the severity of the pain it was in.

In what is believed to be the first instance of its kind in Scotland, evil Smith is now fitted with an electronic tag and cannot leave his home between 7pm and 7am for four months to stop him going near dogs. He has been banned from owning a dog for 12 years.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said: “The Scottish SPCA certainly support the decision of the sheriff to ban James Smith from owning a dog for 12 years. The injuries inflicted on this dog were extremely serious and eventually contributed to the animal having to be put to sleep.

“The majority of Staffies are big, gentle, family dogs. But, sadly, too many of the breed are bought as macho accessories. These playful dogs, in the wrong hands, can be made aggressive.”

Smith admitted allowing his two Staffordshire Bull Terriers to be dangerously out-of-control at the back of the block of flats where he lives. He stabbed his pet after both his dogs attacked a neighbour’s hound. The hound’s injuries were so severe the animal had to be put down.

Smith also admitted failing to take his dog to a vet after the attack. He left the dog to die after tying it to a post. His other dog was not injured. But, when police and horrified animal welfare inspectors took the stabbed bitch to a vet, the animal had been too badly injured and had to be put down.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court. Sheriff Frank Pieri ordered Smith to be tagged for four months between 7pm and 7am. He also banned Smith from owning a dog for 12 years.

The SSPCA spokesperson added: “All dog owners need to realise they must be able to control their animals in public places. Failing to train a dog can have disastrous results and, as in this instance, lead to the death of more than one animal.”