GARY ROSS FROM MORAY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO BEARDED DRAGON IN DUFFTOWN, KEITH

Gary Ross, born around 1988 and residing on Balvenie Street in Dufftown, Keith, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect that led to the death of his pet bearded dragon, Coco. The incident, which took place between December 22, 2021, and January 22, 2022, drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations due to the extreme condition of the reptile.

Ross, who has a prior conviction for drug dealing and was previously based in Elgin, was subjected to a court hearing where he faced charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The case was brought to light after Ross’s mother contacted the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) following her visit to Ross’s residence. She reported that Coco was in a dire state, unable to open its eyes, extremely thin, dehydrated, and suffering from muscle loss. She also noted that the bearded dragon would only eat if food was directly placed into its mouth, indicating a severe decline in health.

Upon receiving the report, SSPCA’s chief inspector Alison Simpson contacted a veterinary surgeon for advice. The veterinarian recommended attempting to warm Coco in water to help restore its body temperature. Despite these efforts, the condition of the bearded dragon was so critical that the vet initially believed Coco was already dead when it was brought in. Tragically, after assessment, the vet decided to euthanize Coco on welfare grounds, citing the animal’s prolonged suffering and poor health.

During the court proceedings, fiscal depute Victoria Silver detailed the timeline of neglect, emphasizing the extent of the animal’s suffering. Ross was also charged with threatening or abusive behavior towards SSPCA staff during the investigation. The court heard that Ross admitted to causing the animal unnecessary suffering and behaving in a threatening manner towards the charity’s personnel.

In his defense, Ross’s solicitor, Iain Maltman, highlighted that his client had undergone various background and psychiatric assessments. The reports indicated that Ross was suffering from a mental disorder and had experienced head trauma, which might have influenced his behavior. Maltman also mentioned that Ross was living a quieter life at the time and was keeping another pet, which his mother had bought him the previous summer. However, Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood was critical of Ross’s claims, pointing out that responsibility for Coco’s condition was clear and that Ross was accountable for the animal’s welfare during the period of neglect. The sheriff also noted concerns about the care of Ross’s other pet.

Following the sentencing, SSPCA chief inspector Alison Simpson expressed her views, stating, “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.”

Ross was sentenced to 90 hours of unpaid community work and was banned from keeping any animals for one year, with the ban set to expire in March 2024. The case underscores ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the Moray area and highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the role of local authorities and charities in safeguarding vulnerable animals.