Paisley man convicted after Scottish SPCA investigators discover dogs injured in animal fighting scheme

A Paisley man has been convicted after training his dog for animal fighting, leaving it with severe facial injuries.

Sean Alexander Mullen was keeping a Patterdale Terrier, known as Ronnie, at his home address for the purpose of using him for animal fighting, with wild animals.

Mullen was handed a 15-year ban on caring for and owning animals, at Paisley Sheriff Court on Thursday 5 November 2026.

He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work reduced from 300, and a restriction of liberty order from 7pm to 7am for six months reduced from nine months.

Investigators from the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit were tipped off to Ronnie’s facial injuries and that they had been sustained during animal fights.

Upon executing a search warrant, animal fighting paraphernalia was discovered,such as treadmills which were used to train dogs for the purposes of animal fighting, were found. Ronnie and two younger male Patterdale terriers were then seized.

Ronnie was found with severe facial injuries consistent with having been in face-to-face combat, with wild animals.

Following examination, the vet said: “The extensive facial injuries were painful and recent. The older scars looked to be historic and would be consistent with repeated facial trauma, most likely seen in animal fighting where dogs are involved in face-to-face combat with wild animals. There were no scars or wounds apart from his face and head, so this makes wild animal fighting more likely than with other dogs.”

"Allowing the dog to sustain these injuries resulted in preventable disease and injury. The wounds would have been painful and required veterinary treatment. By not seeking veterinary attention, the dog was left to endure severe unnecessary suffering for weeks, or for however long the injuries had been present."

A Scottish SPCA SIU Inspector added: “This was a serious offence, and it is difficult to comprehend the mindset of someone who would keep an animal for such a cruel purpose.”

“The animals attacked would have endured extreme suffering, as well as Ronnie, who sustained several severe injuries to his face because of being used in this way."

The Sheriff said: "I am not a dog lover. I am not an animal lover. However, after reading the narrative even I can see the level of cruelty inflicted."

Mullen has had 11 previous convictions, one involving him bludgeoning a fox to death.

Reacting to the sentencing, the SIU Inspector, said: “We welcome today’s sentencing but are disappointed that a lifetime ban and custodial sentence were not imposed, given how savage this case was. No animal should ever be at risk of such horrific suffering.

"It has been two years since England introduced animal welfare sentencing guidelines, Scotland must follow suit. Until then we will continue to see sentencing that is not in line with the animal welfare crimes committed."

Ronnie is now with his forever owner, who says he is a "bundle of love".

"He is the cutest and loveliest dog. He is so caring and loving. He has brought utter joy to our lives. I really can't understand why anyone would do something like this. It brings me to tears to think of the pain and suffering Ronnie has gone through".