Cathkin OAP shot himself over fear of losing beloved pet

Nov 4 2009 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

A CATHKIN man has shot himself “because he feared he was about to lose his beloved dog”.

Friends of William Blackley say the pensioner, who died from his injuries was already under stress because of other events in his life when he discovered that a complaint had been made about his pet’s barking.

Mr Blackley (78) shot himself in a secluded area, between Rutherglen and East Kilbride, on October 21, 13 days after South Lanarkshire Council sent a letter warning him he could face investigation.

He was informed that barking, by his Cairn Terrier, Prince, had prompted a complaint.

And Mr Blackley was told that if further complaints were received a noise survey would be carried out and “appropriate formal action” would be taken.

Friends and neighbours of Mr Blackley are now saying that the widower feared that he was about to lose his beloved pet and that coupled with other matters “pushed him over the edge”.

They also rubbished the complaints about his dog’s excessive barking.

Georgina Carruthers, a close friend of Mr Blackley, said: “He thought he was going to get an antisocial behaviour order and was terrified he was going to lose his wee dog.

“You’ve got to remember that you are dealing with a man of nearly 79 who was under a lot of stress.

“The neighbours are up in arms about this. He had no underlying health problems and he had everything to look forward too.

“I’m quite stunned. People are angry and there is a feeling he is being persecuted.”

Georgina also paid tribute to her neighbour: “He looked after that dog so well; he really loved it. Thankfully it’s found a good home.

“He was a lovely man, a real gentleman. He nursed his sick wife for three years rather than put her in a home.”

A spokesman for the council said: “We are deeply sorry to hear of Mr Blackley’s tragic death.

“The council has to follow up complaints made by the public but we make every effort to be helpful and offer advice and assistance at all times.

“Our initial contact is by letter and in this instance we did what we could to help by sending a letter explaining an allegation had been made about a dog barking at Mr Blackley’s.

“We also enclosed an information leaflet on dog barking which many people find helpful and offered the use of a Citronella Collar which has been found to be helpful in reducing problem barking.

“In addition we gave a contact for The Dogs Trust who provide information on reasons why dogs bark and give advice on methods of reducing this. We also told Mr Blackley that he could have a chat with us if he wished.

“We would only follow up our letter with a visit if we received further complaints.”

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police said: “We can confirm that the body of a 78-year-old male was discovered in Markethill Road. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Mr Blackley’s funeral took place at the Linn Crematorium last Thursday.

Earlier this year, the Reformer reported that Mr Blackley was left furious after a hired gardener ‘butchered’ his garden hedge. He was outraged that workers ripped the hedge to pieces, even though they were only supposed to be trimming the neighbour’s side.

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues in this story, there is support out there.

You can telephone Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit  www.chooselife.net for help and advice.