KIRKCALDY GAME WARDEN CHRISTOPHER ROBERTSON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN KIRKCALDY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Kirkcaldy, game warden Christopher Robertson, born on January 20, 1972, and residing on Pratt Street, was found guilty of severe animal neglect and abuse. The incident, which took place on July 13, 2018, involved the discovery of an extremely emaciated lurcher dog near a lay-by along the A822, raising urgent concerns about the welfare of the animals involved.

According to reports, the distressing situation was brought to attention by a local resident and her gardener, who heard disturbing noises emanating from the vicinity. For approximately an hour, they heard Robertson roaring, alongside the yelping of a small dog and the screaming of a larger dog. The sounds alarmed the witnesses, who grew increasingly worried about the animals' suffering and decided to contact the police.

When police officers arrived at around 4:40 pm, they encountered Robertson walking an extremely frail and nearly bald lurcher-type dog. The dog was covered in open sores, with her ribs and hips painfully protruding through her skin, indicating months of neglect. The officers observed that the dog was on the brink of death, and without immediate intervention, she would have succumbed within hours. It was clear that Robertson had failed to provide proper care for her.

As the officers approached, Robertson attempted to place the dog into the back of his pickup truck. Due to her extreme weakness, she was unable to jump into the vehicle, and Robertson had to lift her in himself. When questioned about the dog's condition, Robertson responded with hostility, dismissing their concerns. He told the officers, “Fs it to do with you,” and “there’s nothing wrong with her, f*** off. I’m not telling you my name, I’ve done f*** all.” His aggressive attitude escalated the situation, leading to a tense standoff.

During the confrontation, police noticed Robertson was wearing a belt with a knife featuring a 3-inch blade. One officer managed to disarm him by throwing the weapon to safety. The situation intensified when Robertson slid underneath his vehicle and remained there for about 20 minutes, refusing to cooperate. When he finally emerged, he claimed the knife was for his work as a gamekeeper, specifically for “gralloching deer.”

Further inspection of Robertson’s vehicle revealed a small Border terrier, who appeared to be in better condition than the lurcher but was still suffering from neglect. The terrier was also emaciated, covered in open sores, and had bleeding paws between her toes. Both dogs were promptly taken to a local veterinary clinic for urgent treatment.

Veterinarian Rhuairidh Mackenzie described the condition of the lurcher as the worst case of neglect he had ever encountered. The dog was severely underweight, weighing only 8.3 kilos—significantly below the normal weight range of 12 to 15 kilos for her breed. She was suffering from profuse diarrhea, extensive hair loss, and numerous wounds across her body. The vet explained that her condition was beyond what could be attributed solely to malnutrition, with scars and lesions indicating prolonged suffering. Immediate medical intervention included IV fluids and wrapping her paws in bubble wrap to help regulate her body temperature.

Another veterinarian, Kate Jamieson, emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, “It’s my opinion that this case involved months of neglect. If the dog had not received treatment when she did, I think she would have died over the weekend.” She described the case as the worst she had ever seen, with the dog being the skinniest she had encountered in her career.

Christopher Robertson admitted to causing the dog unnecessary suffering, behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, and possessing a knife in a public place. The court sentenced him to a nine-month curfew and imposed a ban on keeping pets for 20 years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for strict penalties to prevent future abuse.

This case has garnered significant attention in Kirkcaldy and highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty. The community and animal rights advocates hope that such measures serve as a warning to others and promote greater awareness of responsible pet ownership.