In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Levi Balmer, then 20, was sentenced for the horrific torture and death of a 16-week-old puppy. On Friday, 13 February 2026, Balmer, of Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where he avoided a prison sentence despite the “sadistic” nature of his crimes. He was handed a 10-year ban on owning or keeping dogs.
The investigation established that Balmer subjected a Cane Corso cross American Bully puppy named Mabel to months of extreme cruelty in his Rutherglen flat. Between November and December 2024, Mabel was repeatedly presented to vets with severe injuries. Balmer provided a series of excuses, claiming the dog was “clumsy” or that he had “tripped” on her. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that Mabel had been deliberately scalded, beaten, and held against hot surfaces, resulting in second and third-degree burns. She eventually died of pain-related stress on Christmas Eve 2024.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Balmer pleaded guilty to causing the puppy unnecessary physical and mental suffering. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard from a Scottish SPCA Inspector who described the case as one of the most distressing they had ever dealt with. The investigation found that the pattern of injuries—including fractured teeth, internal bleeding, and scalding to the face and paws—was entirely consistent with deliberate, non-accidental attacks rather than the “accidents” claimed by Balmer.
The judge noted the severity of the abuse but opted for a community-based disposal. For his actions in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, Balmer was ordered to perform 162 hours of unpaid work. The prosecution highlighted that the puppy had spent her short life in acute pain, suffering from bleeding wounds and swelling before her body finally gave out due to the intensity of the trauma inflicted by her owner.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, Levi Balmer was handed:
- Community Sentence: 162 hours of unpaid work (Community Payback Order).
- Supervision: 12 months of social work supervision.
- Animal Ownership Ban: A 10-year disqualification from owning, keeping, or taking charge of dogs.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court following a guilty plea.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Balmer is managed by South Lanarkshire Council’s social work department and monitored by the Scottish SPCA. Due to the extreme and sadistic nature of the cruelty in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, any future presence of animals at his address will be a matter for immediate enforcement.
As part of his 12-month supervision, Balmer must comply with all directions from his social worker regarding his conduct and residence in Rutherglen. Authorities state that the 10-year ban is a critical measure to prevent further suffering of animals. Any breach of his disqualification order or failure to complete his 162 hours of unpaid work will result in his immediate return to Glasgow Sheriff Court, where the judge may reconsider a custodial sentence.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.