CONVICTED (2024) | Robert Baird, born c, 1962, of Easter Whin Farm, Limerigg, Slamannan, Falkirk FK1 3DA – confined a border collie inside an abandoned filthy horsebox without food or water Cruel farmer Robert Baird kept a distressed sheepdog inside an abandoned horsebox without food or water Baird was convicted of animal cruelty after a team from Falkirk Council’s Animal Health & Welfare and Trading Standards discovered plight of the dog, Drift, during a routine inspection of the premises in early 2024. It was noted that nobody was living there. As they were leaving, officers heard faint whining and movement from an abandoned horsebox on the property. Upon closer inspection, they found the trailer fully closed, with a single small window obscured by mould, blocking access to natural light or ventilation. Inside, officers discovered Drift confined behind a wire barrier held up by a garden rake. Drift was confined to a floorspace of only six square metres and had matted fur when he was discovered. The area in which he was being kept was approximately two by three metres and thick with accumulated faeces, leaving no dry place for him to lie. Two empty bowls were found beside the dog and the indications ere that he had been without food and water for some time. His lean condition, matted fur, and agitated behaviour were all signs of prolonged neglect. A vet called in to assess Drift’s living conditions confirmed that they fell short of the required standards under animal welfare legislation, which state that owners must meet their animals’ basic needs for food, water, and shelter, and prevent unnecessary suffering. On the recommendation of the vet, Drift was removed from the property and transported to a vet where he was bathed and given antibiotics before being transferred into the care of the Scottish SPCA. Happily he has since been rehomed. In court, Robert Baird pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, specifically for causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the animal’s welfare. Sentencing |community payback order with two years of supervision. Disqualified from owning animals for 15 years. Falkirk Herald STV News