EDINBURGH SEX OFFENDER STEVEN GODDARD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG ROCCO

Steven Michael Goddard, born on January 30, 1991, and residing on Blackfriars Street in Edinburgh EH1 1NB, was recently convicted and sentenced for a severe case of animal cruelty involving his pet dog, Rocco. The incident drew significant attention from local animal welfare authorities and the community, highlighting the neglect and suffering endured by the Staffordshire bull terrier under Goddard’s care.

Goddard pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Rocco after the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) conducted a thorough investigation and discovered the dog in deplorable conditions within his home. The investigation was prompted by a distressing report from a member of the public, who heard sounds of a dog being hit from the premises, raising alarms about potential abuse and neglect.

Upon entering the property, inspectors were met with a disturbing scene. The interior was dark, cluttered, and heavily contaminated with piles of feces, pools of urine, and various types of rubbish scattered across the floor. The smell was immediately overwhelming, indicating a severe lack of cleanliness and care. Inside, Rocco was found in an emaciated state, severely dehydrated, and suffering from overgrown claws that caused him considerable discomfort. The dog’s weight was recorded at only 10 kilograms, whereas a healthy Staffordshire bull terrier of his age and size should typically weigh between 13 and 17 kilograms.

Inspector Stuart Murray of the Scottish SPCA described the scene, stating, “On gaining entry to the property there was an immediate smell. The interior was dark and the floor was covered in piles of faeces, pools of urine and general rubbish. Rocco appeared to be in emaciated condition. He was dehydrated, his coat smelt badly, and he had a dejected demeanour. Rocco’s claws were approximately half an inch overgrown suggesting a lack of care or exercise.”

Further examination revealed that Rocco was extremely thirsty, attempting to drink from puddles outside the property before being given water by the inspectors. It was estimated that Rocco’s emaciated condition had developed over at least seven days, though it was likely a much longer period of neglect. The prolonged suffering caused him significant distress, which could have been alleviated with basic care and attention.

Despite the efforts of the SSPCA to save him, Rocco’s health continued to decline. Tragically, he later developed a neurological condition that impaired his mobility, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize him. The case underscores the severity of the neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws.

Goddard was sentenced to 40 days in prison and was disqualified from owning a dog for eight years, a ban set to expire in January 2029. It is noteworthy that Goddard is a convicted sex offender, having served a five-year sentence in 2009 for child rape. Additionally, in February 2021, he received an eight-month prison sentence for breaching a sexual offences prevention order, after failing to disclose a relationship he had started with a woman in Grangemouth to authorities. His criminal history and recent conviction for animal cruelty highlight ongoing concerns about his conduct and the need for strict legal measures to prevent further harm.

This case has garnered significant media attention, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in Edinburgh and beyond. The community remains vigilant, and authorities continue to advocate for the protection of vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse.