CONVICTED (2023) | Gary Ross, born c. 1988, of Balvenie Street, Dufftown, Keith AB55 – neglected his bearded dragon so badly that a vet had to put him down.
Ross, a convicted drug dealer previously of Elgin, has been handed a year-long animal ban after bearded dragon Coco was discovered in a terrible state.
His eyes were stuck shut, he was extremely thin and dehydrated, had suffered muscle loss and was struggling to eat.
A vet, who thought Coco was already dead when he was brought in, put the dates of his neglect between December 22, 2021 and January 22, 2022.
Fiscal depute Victoria Silver told the court Ross’s mum contacted the SSPCA after she went to check on the pet at the Balvenie Street address.
“She advised them that the bearded dragon needed veterinary care as it couldn’t open its eyes and wouldn’t eat unless food was placed directly into its mouth.”
The charity’s chief inspector Alison Simpson contacted a veterinary surgeon about Coco and was told to try placing him in warm water to help bring his body temperature up.
“It was identified he was in extremely poor condition and extremely thin,” Ms Silver added.
“Initially, on being presented with it, the surgeon thought it was dead. It was later euthanised on welfare grounds.”
Ross admitted causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards SSPCA staff.
Defence agent Iain Maltman said both background reports and a psychiatric report had been carried out on his client and highlighted a mental disorder and issues caused by head trauma.
“It appears he is living a quieter life than previously and keeps himself to himself,” the solicitor said.
“It’s a sad end to his involvement with the animal. He does look after another animal at home which his mum bought him last summer.”
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood told the solicitor: “Your client puts all the blame on the fact he was in custody for a couple of days but it’s quite clear from Crown and the SSPCA he was responsible for the animal when it came into this state.
“From the terms of the report, it would appear his new animal is not being cared for particularly well either.”
Speaking after the sentencing, SSPCA chief inspector Alison Simpson said: “We’re pleased that Gary Ross received a ban but we’re disappointed that it wasn’t for a longer period of time given the neglect Coco suffered.
“We hope that Ross seriously considers his ability to care for any animal in future.”
Sentencing | 90 hours of unpaid work. Banned from keeping animals for one year (expires March 2024).
That Poor Little Animal.
Suffered to such a degree, he had to be put down.
If you haven’t got a clue with little Reptiles.
Why have them in the first place.