Sean Mullen has record of cruel slaughter of foxes and badgers going back to 2008 – but he walked free from court after latest conviction.
A vicious urban hunter who used his own dogs to rip apart foxes has escaped jail despite a shocking record of animal abuse.
Sean Mullen walked free from court despite having had 11 previous convictions, including one involving him bludgeoning a fox to death in 2008.
His social media page features a photo of a man carrying a dead fox and the slogan: “The day I stop hunting is the day I stop breathing.”
Despite his unrepentant determination to keep killing wild animals, a sheriff stopped short of jailing him, instead slapping him with a 15 year ban on keeping animals, a six month tagging order and 200 hours of community service.
Evidence presented against Mullen included him sending his dogs down a badger sett that he’d dug out. The terrified animal was forced into the open, where it was pursued by a dog.
It is suspected the wild animal was killed, purely for the gratification of Mullen.
A Scottish SPCA Special Investigations Unit (SIU) inspector blasted the lenient sentence, saying: “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.”
Reacting to the sentencing, the SIU Inspector said: “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.”
Mullen, 36, kept a Patterdale Terrier, known as Ronnie, at his home address for the purpose of using him for animal fighting, with wild animals, believed to include foxes and badgers.
In December 2025, the Scottish SPCA’s SIU raided Mullen’s home in Paisley address, where they found Ronnie and two younger male Patterdale terriers, which were seized.
Animal fighting paraphernalia and training equipment, including treadmills were found. Footage was discovered of Ronnie being forced to run continuously on an outdoor treadmill.
Ronnie had severe facial injuries consistent with having been in face-to-face combat with wild animals.
Following examination 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.
“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.”
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, horrified families as he bludgeoned a defenceless fox to death.
Mullen picked up the petrified animal and placed it in a carrier bag before repeatedly thumping it over the head with a stick.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard that the defenceless fox had suffered terribly as it was cornered by dogs who tore at it with their teeth before 17-year-old Mullen beat it to death and dumped it in a nearby burn.
He escaped with community service then.
Being convicted of causing unnecessary suffering could lead to a sentence of up to 12 months imprisonment, a life ban on keeping animals or a fine of up to £20,000.
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