ROBER DYER-SHEPPARD HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN DRUMCHAPEL AND GLASGOW'S HAGHILL AREA

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Robert Dyer-Sheppard, born on June 30, 1977, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to eight guinea pigs by failing to provide them with adequate food and water. Originally residing on Linkwood Crescent in Drumchapel, Glasgow, Dyer-Sheppard has since moved to the Haghill area of Dennistoun, Glasgow, specifically to Aberfeldy Street, G31 3NS. His departure from his previous home left the animals in a dire state, with tragic consequences.

On April 18, 2022, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received a distress call through their animal helpline, raising concerns about the welfare of guinea pigs left unattended at Dyer-Sheppard’s former address. The call prompted immediate action, and authorities contacted the local council to gain access to the property. It was discovered that Dyer-Sheppard had vacated the premises on April 8, 2022, leaving behind the animals in a severely neglected condition. During the investigation, a council employee who attended the property to change the locks uncovered a heartbreaking scene: several dead guinea pigs on the veranda, with a large accumulation of feces scattered across the area. The scene was further distressing due to the presence of two empty bowls and a cake tin, indicating a complete lack of food and water for the animals.

Inside the property, authorities found a plastic cage placed atop a hutch, containing two more guinea pigs. The cage was sealed shut, preventing the animals from escaping, and one of the guinea pigs inside was already dead. The surviving guinea pig, a female named Ollie, was rescued and immediately placed in a clean pet carrier. Ollie was taken to one of the SPCA’s veterinary centers, where she was examined and found to be underweight but otherwise alert and responsive. Thanks to prompt veterinary care, Ollie quickly regained weight and was eventually adopted into a loving new home, where she now receives the care and attention she deserves.

Veterinary experts estimated that the seven deceased guinea pigs likely succumbed to dehydration, which can cause death within three to five days if water is unavailable. The timeline suggests that Dyer-Sheppard had initially left some food and water, but these resources were not shared equally among the animals. The weaker animals, unable to access the limited supplies, would have died more rapidly. The investigation revealed a tragic neglect that resulted in the death of six guinea pigs and the suffering of one survivor.

In court, Dyer-Sheppard pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a 75-day restriction of liberty order. Additionally, he received a two-year ban on owning animals, which will remain in effect until April 2025. The Scottish SPCA expressed their disappointment at the relatively short duration of the ban, emphasizing that the level of neglect inflicted upon these animals was severe. Jennifer Connolly, the Scottish SPCA chief inspector, stated, “Any reasonable owner would not leave their animals unsupervised like this for such an extended period and would ensure that someone trustworthy and reliable was responsible for tending to them.” She also highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for owners to ensure their animals are properly cared for, especially during times of absence.

Overall, this case underscores the critical importance of animal welfare and the devastating consequences of neglect. The Scottish SPCA continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership and urges the public to remain vigilant in reporting cases of animal cruelty and neglect to prevent such tragedies from recurring.