Braes farmer banned from keeping dogs for 15 years for 'disturbing' neglect of collie

Robert Baird, 62, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having pleaded guilty to causing his dog unnecessary suffering at his Easter Whin Farm, Limerigg, Slamannan home between September 1, 2023 and January 24, 2024.

The charges stated Baird kept the dog locked in a horsebox without adequate food or sanitation and allowed the dog to become covered in faeces.

His crimes were uncovered by Falkirk Council animal welfare staff, who found the dog in a terrible state during a visit to the farm.

The court heard the dog, a border collie called Drift, had been kept in filthy conditions and was in a terrible state when inspectors found him at the end of his five-month ordeal.

He was found with heavily matted fur and matter on his underside and neck, extending to his flanks.

He was given a body condition score of three out of nine.

After receiving treatment from the vet, thankfully the dog is healthy again and has now been re-homed with a new family.

The court heard Baird admitted the horsebox hadn't been cleaned out for weeks, and the dog had been locked in for weeks, was not walked, and when he was allowed out he was simply left on a rope attached to the horsebox.

It was stated Baird was under pressure at the time because he had been responsible for caring for his wife, who was receiving treatment for cancer, and for his wife’s elderly mother.

Baird’s defence solicitor said that while his client realised he should have sought help for his dog he failed to do so as his “pride got in the way of common sense”.

Sheriff Maryam Labaki noted the circumstances Baird was in at the time with his wife, but stated it was still a “disturbing case of severe animal neglect” and placed him on a supervised community payback order for two years and banned him from keeping dogs for a period of 15 years.