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The Scottish SPCA has reacted to the sentencing of a Renfrewshire man following an investigation into 'one of the worst cases' of bird neglect. Brandon Hodge was sentenced at Greenock Sheriff Court on Tuesday this week, November 4, after he admitted two charges of animal neglect. The court heard that the 28-year-old kept 18 birds tethered inside tiny faecal-encrusted cages stacked on top of each other. Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA, along with Police Scotland officers, first carried out a search at Hodge's property in Kilmacolm in May 2024. What they found inside was 'seriously distressing', with 19 birds kept in an 'unsanitary and inappropriate environment', as well as strewn covered in maggots and insects. Hodge was sentenced to 12 months supervision, 90 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years. Scottish SPCA's SIU Inspector said that the extent of the birds' suffering brought their most experienced vets to tears. Reacting to the sentencing they said: "We are pleased with the outcome and the court's decision. This is one of the worst cases I've worked on regarding bird welfare. The birds were seriously distressed, in an unsanitary and inappropriate environment, being subject to severe mental and physical suffering. This case is a step in the right direction for animal welfare in Scotland.” Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Nineteen birds of prey and owls were found confined inside dog and cat carriers encrusted with faecal matter and waste, they also had no water provided or space to stretch their wings. On the floor surrounding the carriers the birds were constrained in what was a significant build-up of faecal matter and waste infested by maggots and insects. The Scottish SPCA SIU Inspector reported: "The poor condition the birds were in and suffering they had endured significantly upset all involved in bringing this case to light. Upon entering the room the birds were being kept within, our experienced vets were brought to tears." The Scottish SPCA is now calling for a national animal offenders register to be built into existing intelligence systems to support monitoring of individuals convicted of animal cruelty — particularly those banned from owning animals — and flag repeat offenders. The charity continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cruelty. To report any act of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website here. Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox
