Sean Mullen, 36, has avoided jail despite a record of cruelty to foxes and badgers dating back to 2008, after a sheriff imposed a 15-year ban on keeping animals, a six-month tagging order and 200 hours of community service at Paisley Sheriff Court.
Mullen had 11 previous convictions, including one for bludgeoning a fox to death in 2008. His social media page featured a photo of a man carrying a dead fox with the slogan: “The day I stop hunting is the day I stop breathing.”
Evidence of wildlife fighting
Evidence presented against Mullen included him sending his dogs down a badger sett that he had dug out. The animal was forced into the open, where it was pursued by a dog. It is suspected the wild animal was killed.
In December 2025, the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) raided Mullen’s home in Paisley, where they found Ronnie and two younger male Patterdale terriers, which were seized. Animal fighting paraphernalia and training equipment, including treadmills, were found. Footage showed Ronnie being forced to run continuously on an outdoor treadmill.
Veterinary findings on Ronnie
Ronnie had severe facial injuries consistent with face-to-face combat with wild animals. A vet said in a report: “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.”
The vet added: “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.”
Reaction and rehoming
A Scottish SPCA SIU inspector said: “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 inspector added: “We welcome the 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 has now been adopted by a new owner, who said: “He is a bundle of love, 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.”
In 2008, Mullen, then 17, bludgeoned a fox to death after it was cornered by dogs. He picked up the animal, placed it in a carrier bag, and repeatedly hit it over the head with a stick before dumping it in a burn. He escaped with community service then. Conviction for causing unnecessary suffering can lead to up to 12 months imprisonment, a life ban on keeping animals, or a fine of up to £20,000.
