ROBERT COOK FROM WISHAW AND HAMILTON FACES JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO WESTIE IN SCOTLAND
| Red Rose Database
Wishaw Animal Abuser
In a case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare advocates across Scotland, Robert Cook, a resident of Wishaw and more recently of Parks View in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a beloved West Highland Terrier named Bonnie. The incident, which took place in Wishaw, highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Robert Cook, born on September 25, 1959, was charged under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. The charges stemmed from his failure to provide adequate veterinary care for Bonnie, who was suffering from severe health issues at the time of her rescue. Cook pleaded guilty to the charges, a decision that was welcomed by animal welfare organizations and legal authorities alike.
Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson provided detailed insights into Bonnie’s condition, emphasizing the severity of her suffering. She explained, “This charge was dealt with as Cook failed to provide veterinary treatment to Bonnie, who, upon vet examination, was found to have an atopic skin disease, infected ear canals, and gingivitis.”
Inspector Lawson described Bonnie’s physical state in harrowing detail: “She had very little hair covering any part of her body, and the small amount of hair that was present was matted. Her skin was severely inflamed, sore, greasy, and covered with scabs and sores.”
Following her rescue, Bonnie was taken to one of the Scottish SPCA’s centres, where she received ongoing veterinary treatment. The organization reports that she has shown signs of improvement, remaining bright, alert, and willing to interact with staff members. Although her skin condition is chronic and will require continued treatment, she is no longer in pain and is on the path to recovery.
Commenting on the case, Heather Lawson expressed satisfaction with the legal outcome, stating, “We welcome the fact that Mr Cook has pled guilty in court and the sentence handed down. This is a hugely positive step forward for animal welfare.”
As part of his sentence, Robert Cook was ordered to pay a fine of £300 and was issued a lifetime ban from owning or keeping animals in Scotland. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of Scottish authorities and animal welfare groups to combat cruelty and ensure that animals receive the care and protection they deserve.
Robert Cook, born on September 25, 1959, was charged under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. The charges stemmed from his failure to provide adequate veterinary care for Bonnie, who was suffering from severe health issues at the time of her rescue. Cook pleaded guilty to the charges, a decision that was welcomed by animal welfare organizations and legal authorities alike.
Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson provided detailed insights into Bonnie’s condition, emphasizing the severity of her suffering. She explained, “This charge was dealt with as Cook failed to provide veterinary treatment to Bonnie, who, upon vet examination, was found to have an atopic skin disease, infected ear canals, and gingivitis.”
Inspector Lawson described Bonnie’s physical state in harrowing detail: “She had very little hair covering any part of her body, and the small amount of hair that was present was matted. Her skin was severely inflamed, sore, greasy, and covered with scabs and sores.”
Following her rescue, Bonnie was taken to one of the Scottish SPCA’s centres, where she received ongoing veterinary treatment. The organization reports that she has shown signs of improvement, remaining bright, alert, and willing to interact with staff members. Although her skin condition is chronic and will require continued treatment, she is no longer in pain and is on the path to recovery.
Commenting on the case, Heather Lawson expressed satisfaction with the legal outcome, stating, “We welcome the fact that Mr Cook has pled guilty in court and the sentence handed down. This is a hugely positive step forward for animal welfare.”
As part of his sentence, Robert Cook was ordered to pay a fine of £300 and was issued a lifetime ban from owning or keeping animals in Scotland. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of Scottish authorities and animal welfare groups to combat cruelty and ensure that animals receive the care and protection they deserve.