JOHN HAXTON ABUSES DOG IN EDINBURGH AND FACES SEVERE PENALTIES

John Wilson Haxton, also known as John Falconer, born on August 9, 1992, was previously residing in Murrayburn Green, Edinburgh, and at the time of the incident, living in Glenrothes, Fife. He inflicted severe abuse on his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Roxy, leading to her suffering so badly that she had to be euthanized to end her pain.

Haxton assaulted Roxy so brutally that both of her retinas detached, rendering her blind. The Scottish SPCA became aware of the neglect first in 2018 after reports from the public alleged he was kicking or abusing Roxy in public or heard noises indicating inside his home. Investigations at that time found no concrete evidence, and he was merely warned.

In 2020, concern grew after witnesses saw Haxton beating Roxy again in public. Two members of the public intervened, removing Roxy from his care. At that point, Roxy was bleeding from her eye, had cuts across her body, significant swelling in her neck, and was so distressed she was urinating blood.

The injuries inflicted by Haxton were so severe that veterinarians confirmed she had suffered repeated attacks, including recent trauma causing central blindness, and she was diagnosed with arthritis and a serious hip injury. Due to her immense pain, and her deteriorating condition, the decision was made to put her to sleep on welfare grounds.

Inspector Fiona Thorburn from the Scottish SPCA explained: “The post-mortem showed that there had been bleeding to Roxy’s eyes for at least two days. The bleeding is generally associated with trauma to the eye and, in this case, to both of Roxy’s eyes. Her retinae were detached at least three days before her death, supporting claims that Roxy was regularly beaten by Haxton.

“The vet concluded that Roxy had been caused severe unnecessary suffering due to her injuries, which included blunt trauma to her face, head, and abdomen. She would have endured significant physical and psychological pain, leaving her terrified and anxious around humans.

“Any responsible owner would have recognized the need for emergency veterinary care. Further tests revealed that earlier in 2020, Roxy had been kicked so badly she suffered a dislocated hip, which was scheduled for surgery but never performed.

“This is a very harrowing case that will stay with all involved. The level of suffering inflicted on Roxy by Haxton is unimaginable. She was euthanized solely because of his actions. We had hoped he would be banned from owning animals forever.

“Given the severity of her injuries, it’s disappointing that Haxton did not face a longer ban or a custodial sentence. Despite opportunities to relinquish her care, he refused, and her suffering continued.

“We are grateful to the two members of the public who witnessed the abuse and intervened. The injuries were so severe that their actions likely prevented further tragedy. However, they were advised to avoid putting themselves in danger and to contact Police Scotland and the Scottish SPCA if they witness such crimes.”

Regarding sentencing, Haxton received a 300-hour community payback order and a five-year ban on owning or keeping animals.

Sources include STV News and Edinburgh News. Update in September 2022 revealed that Haxton now lives with a woman named Sarah Falconer at a property in Caskieberran Road, Glenrothes KY6 2NT. It is rumored that the couple has purchased a kitten despite Haxton's ban on owning any animals.

Haxton is pictured with his girlfriend, Sarah Falconer, from Glenrothes.