Lamb thrown on fire 'for a laugh'

Douglas's parents have made a donation to the SSPCA

A teenager who threw a live lamb onto a fire "for a laugh" has avoided a custodial sentence.

Scott Douglas was celebrating his 17th birthday when he removed the lamb from its mother in a field near Loch Ness.

He was sentenced to 200 hours community service at Inverness Sheriff Court and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Sheriff Kenneth Robb told Douglas his actions had caused "considerable public revulsion".

Apprentice joiner Douglas had faced up to 12 months' detention or a £10,000 fine after admitting causing the animal unnecessary suffering.

Fiscal depute Sandy Collie told the court that Douglas and his friends had been celebrating his birthday by camping at Kerrow Bridge in Cannich on 28 May.

He has brought public shame on himself and his family David MacNeill Defence lawyer

Mr Collie said: "Initially he had gone to get the lamb from the river bank where it was with its mother and other lambs.

"On taking it to the other youths one of them said to behave and to leave it alone, and it was returned.

"However, he then went and got the lamb again and took it back and threw it on the fire."

The fiscal added: "He was indicating that he was wishing to have it for his dinner. Drink was not an issue here prior to the killing of the lamb."

Douglas, of Dall Cottage in Balnain, Drumnadrochit, later told police: "I was going to have a laugh."

Defence lawyer David MacNeill said one of Douglas's friends had grabbed the lamb from the fire but it was so badly burnt he "put it out of its misery".

He added that his client's parents had donated £500 to the Scottish SPCA, and Douglas was to pay them back.

'Horribly repulsive'

Mr MacNeill added: "He deeply regrets what he did. He has already suffered. There were comments posted on the internet after what occurred.

"He has brought public shame on himself and his family.

"It seems clear the lamb was injured at the time he threw it on the fire. It appears to be an impulsive act, although horribly repulsive."

Sheriff Robb told Douglas: "Very clearly and understandably there is considerable public revulsion at the act you did and it is a serious matter.

"At the age of 17 you ought to have thought of the horror of throwing a living creature on to an open fire. The explanation of it having a dodgy leg is nothing."

The sheriff added: "Public interest demands there is a penalty. You must give back to the community to dissuade the horror they feel."

Speaking after the case, a spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA said young people who commit acts of cruelty against animals often go on to inflict violence on humans.

She added: "The sentencing means this young man is now in the system and, to a degree, his behaviour will be monitored.

"Research frequently indicates this level of violence often escalates and the animal is the first victim.

"In certain states of America crimes of this type have psychological assessment. This has been helpful in identifying violent behaviour."