DEAN ROSS FROM TRANENT AND WINDSOR PARK TERRACE SCANDAL: HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE REVEALED IN EAST LOTHIAN

Dean Ross, born on October 18, 1984, and formerly residing on Caponhill Road in Tranent, has been at the center of a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community and animal welfare organizations alike. Ross, who has familial ties to Windsor Park Terrace in Musselburgh, was convicted in 2014 of heinous acts involving his pet dogs, which culminated in the tragic death of one of his animals due to neglect and starvation.

According to court reports and investigations conducted by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), Ross failed to provide adequate care for his two Weimaraner dogs, Dexter and Roxy. The neglect was so severe that Dexter, a five-year-old pedigree dog, was found to be severely emaciated, with a body weight less than half of what it should have been for a dog of his age and breed. Veterinary examinations revealed that Dexter’s body condition score was only one out of nine, indicating extreme malnutrition and suffering.

It was reported that Ross had not taken Dexter to the veterinarian for urgent medical treatment, nor had he maintained a proper diet for the animal. Instead, he had starved Dexter over a prolonged period, which led to the dog’s weakened state. The situation worsened when Ross, claiming he could no longer afford veterinary care, gave Dexter a large amount of food in an attempt to revive him. This sudden refeeding caused Dexter to suffer from re-feeding syndrome, a dangerous condition that can result in sudden death in severely starved animals. Tragically, Dexter succumbed to this condition and died shortly after being fed.

Following Dexter’s death, Ross buried his body in the back garden of his home in Tranent. The SSPCA, upon receiving a report about Dexter’s condition in February 2013, obtained an excavation order and exhumed the remains of the dog. The post-mortem examination confirmed that Dexter had been suffering from protein-energy malnutrition, with his body showing signs of long-term starvation. The veterinary report indicated that the prolonged lack of food over several months had led to widespread organ failure, ultimately causing his death.

In addition to Dexter, Ross’s other dog, Roxy, was also found to be in a dire state when she was brought into another animal charity. Roxy was severely underweight, weighing only 18 kilograms—half of her expected healthy weight. She exhibited no muscle mass, and her bones were clearly visible through her skin. Blood tests confirmed that her poor condition was solely due to inadequate nutrition, with no underlying health issues present.

Inspector Emma Phillips of the Scottish SPCA described the case as deeply disturbing. She explained that Roxy’s condition prompted the investigation, which uncovered the tragic fate of Dexter. Roxy was rescued, nursed back to health, and subsequently adopted into a loving new home. Meanwhile, the authorities exhumed Dexter’s remains for further examination, which confirmed the severity of his malnutrition and the long-term neglect he endured.

During the court proceedings, Ross pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide veterinary care and a proper diet for both dogs. Sheriff Peter Braid described Ross’s treatment of Dexter as “sickening in the extreme,” emphasizing the gravity of the cruelty involved. As part of his sentencing, Ross was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, and he was issued a lifetime ban on owning animals. The SSPCA welcomed this decision, stating that such bans are crucial in preventing repeat offenses and protecting vulnerable animals.

Currently, Dean Ross is reported to be living in Auld Coal Medway, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, with the postcode EH19 3GW. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for vigilance against cruelty in all communities, including Tranent and the surrounding areas.