ROBERT BLACKWOOD FROM BALLINGRY, FIFE, FINED AFTER STARVING DOG TO NEAR-DEATH IN LOCHGELLY

In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates, Robert Blackwood, a resident of Martin Crescent in Ballingry, Fife, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Jojo. The incident took place in Lochgelly, where Blackwood’s neglect led to the dog being found in a dire state.

In February 2018, a Scottish SPCA officer responded to a distress call from a concerned member of the public. Upon arriving at Blackwood’s residence, the officer discovered Jojo, a male whippet, scavenging in the garden for scraps of food. The dog was visibly emaciated, struggling to walk, and in a state of severe malnutrition. The officer was visibly shocked by Jojo’s condition, which indicated a prolonged period of neglect.

Blackwood admitted to the SPCA that he had been unable to seek veterinary care for Jojo due to financial difficulties. He claimed to be feeding the dog twice daily, but the evidence suggested otherwise. The officer’s examination revealed that Jojo’s body condition score was a mere 1 out of 9, with ribs and pelvic bones prominently visible from a distance. The dog weighed only 8.15 kilograms, which is just over half of the healthy weight for a dog of his size, and he had almost no body fat remaining.

Following the discovery, Jojo was taken to an SPCA facility where he received proper care, weight monitoring, and a carefully managed diet aimed at recovery. Over time, Jojo showed signs of improvement; he became more alert, interactive, and appeared happier under the care of the staff. The SPCA has expressed their intention to find Jojo a loving forever home once he has fully recovered.

In court, Blackwood was fined £400 for his role in the neglect. Despite the severity of the case, he was not given a ban on keeping animals. Inspector Sarah Gregory of the Scottish SPCA commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for adequate nutrition and veterinary care for animals. She highlighted that Jojo’s condition was a direct result of neglect, with his body condition score and weight clearly indicating the extent of his suffering.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the Scottish SPCA to combat animal cruelty and ensure that neglectful owners are held accountable for their actions, especially in communities like Ballingry and Lochgelly where such incidents can have a profound impact on local animal welfare.