GORDON DAVEY OF DUNFERMLINE FACES JUSTICE FOR NEGLIGENTLY ABANDONING ELDERLY DOG OZZY

Gordon Davey, a resident of Sherbrooke Road in Rosyth, Dunfermline, Fife, was found guilty in 2017 of neglecting his elderly pet dog, Ozzy, a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier type. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of animal cruelty stemming from a failure to seek necessary medical treatment for the dog, who was suffering from severe skin infections, ear infections, and overgrown claws.

According to court records, the incident took place between June 1 and August 31, 2016, at Davey’s then residence on Islay Road in Dunfermline. During this period, he was responsible for Ozzy’s care but neglected to provide the essential veterinary attention that the aging dog desperately needed. Animal welfare officers responded to reports of neglect at Davey’s address and found Ozzy in a dire state of health.

Inspector Nicola Liddell of the Scottish SPCA described the scene: “Upon entering the property, it was immediately apparent that Ozzy – a black and white Staffordshire Bull Terrier – was in a very poor neglected state. He was suffering from a chronic skin condition affecting his body, limbs, and face. His coat and skin were covered in scabs, resulting in hair loss on his paws and underside, with weeping pustules and scabs on the exposed skin. Both ears had internal scabs and thick discharge around his ear canals. Ozzy’s claws were grossly overgrown, curving towards his pads, and he was very reluctant to stand even with encouragement and treats.”

Ozzy was taken to a veterinarian for examination, where it was confirmed that his suffering was unnecessary and could have been prevented with proper care. The vet estimated that the overgrown claws had developed over at least nine months, indicating a prolonged period of neglect. Despite his condition, the prognosis for Ozzy’s recovery was positive, but the neglect had caused him significant pain and discomfort.

During questioning, Davey admitted that he had attempted to treat Ozzy’s skin condition with baby oil, but he acknowledged that he had failed to seek professional veterinary assistance. His solicitor, James Moncrieff, explained that at the time of the neglect, Davey was living with his partner and their seven children. He also stated that Davey had been unable to work after injuring his hand and lacked the financial means to take Ozzy to the vet, emphasizing his remorse and regret for neglecting the dog’s needs.

The court sentenced Davey to 180 hours of unpaid community service and imposed a five-year ban on him keeping any animals, a restriction that expired in April 2022. The case highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals like Ozzy, who suffered in silence due to his owner’s failure to act.