Dog owner threatened to set neighbour's home on fire after doorbell cam caught him kicking pet
Last updated 8th Jul 2025
A court's heard a 52-year-old man threatened to set fire to a neighbour's home after he was captured on their video doorbell kicking his dog.
Jason Russell also made threats towards Inspectors from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) after they were called out to investigate the incident at his home in Galashiels in March.
According to his solicitor, the 13-month-old pet - an American bulldog cross Staffordshire terrier type - had been "getting in the way", and he was worried his partner - who's disabled - would trip on her.
Selkirk Sheriff Court today (Tuesday) was told when officers from the animal welfare charity called at the address in Hawthorn Road, they noted the dog, named Padfoot, appeared in good health but nervous.
Ross Dow, representing Russell, described it as "a one-off incident borne out of frustration", adding that his client "immediately felt regretful".
"He was so anxious about losing the dog which he cared for," Mr Dow said, explaining his client’s behaviour.
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The court heard Padfoot was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA to be rehomed.
Russell pled guilty to charges of causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering, and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
He's been fined a total of £500 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.
But Sheriff Peter Paterson said he was not disqualifying him from keeping pets.
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