JOHN CAMPBELL OF BLANTYRE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG RAMBO

John Campbell, a resident of Blantyre, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty, specifically involving his rescue dog, Rambo. The case drew significant attention after Campbell admitted to failing to provide necessary veterinary care and a proper diet for Rambo, who was ultimately so malnourished that he had to be euthanized.

According to Scottish SPCA inspector Sian Robertson, the distressing case came to light on January 18, 2021, when the organization received a call to their animal helpline reporting a dog in a dire state of health. The caller described Rambo as being “skin and bones,” with ribs, spine, and hip bones prominently visible. This alarming report prompted immediate action from the animal welfare authorities.

Following multiple visits to Campbell’s property in Blantyre, the Scottish SPCA team finally met with him on January 26, 2021. During this visit, Campbell informed the inspectors that he had recently signed Rambo over to an animal charity from which he had originally adopted him. Despite this, the condition of the dog was so severe that veterinary examination was urgently required.

At the veterinary hospital, Rambo was found to be in an appalling state. The veterinarian assigned a body condition score of just one, the lowest possible, indicating extreme emaciation. Rambo’s weight had plummeted to just 15.6 kilograms, a loss of 14.2 kilograms since the end of 2018. Campbell disclosed that Rambo had stopped eating in July 2020, and it was believed that he had developed kidney failure as a consequence of prolonged neglect.

Sadly, due to the severity of his malnutrition and the failure to seek timely veterinary intervention, Rambo was euthanized on veterinary advice. Inspector Robertson described the scene as one of the most distressing she had encountered in her career, emphasizing the extent of Rambo’s suffering. She recounted that every rib could be counted through his skin, and the sight was deeply upsetting.

Further examination revealed that Rambo suffered from alopecia on his neck, with thinning fur on his legs, tail, and underside. His nails were severely overgrown, indicating that he had not been walked or cared for properly for a significant period. Inspector Robertson condemned Campbell’s actions, stating that he had failed his dog utterly and caused unnecessary suffering over an extended period.

In court, Campbell was sentenced to a fine of £1,000 and a three-year ban from owning animals, which will expire in September 2024. It was also revealed that Campbell works as a tax driver with Hastie Cars Ltd and operates as a part-time mobile DJ under the name ‘Ian’s Discos – Soup the DJ’. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who cannot speak for themselves.