Man kept over 30 animals in cramped cages piled on top of each other

Rats: The animals were kept in a cramped cage.Scottish SPCA

A man kept over 30 animals in cramped cages piled on top of each other inside his one-bedroom flat.

Maqsood Asghar had two dogs, a cat, ten rats in one cage, quail, two doves, two Dumbo rats, two gerbils, two chinchillas and a mouse.

He also kept four rabbits and four guinea pigs in a cage which would normally house a single hamster.

The cages were stacked on top of each other and the flat in Kirk Street, Edinburgh smelt strongly of urine and faeces.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, Asghar pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable diet, nutrition and water under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Police has been called to the 40-year-old’s flat on an unrelated matter when they found the animals. They called the Scottish SPCA who went to inspect the animals.

Fiscal depute Tom Crosbie told the court Asghar agreed to transfer ownership of the animals to the Scottish SPCA.

Sheriff Neil Mackinnon deferred sentencing until next month for reports. He said he wanted to know about the current health of the animals.

Defence solicitor, Nigel Bruce, said his client had "a compulsive disorder of collecting things".

The Scottish SPCA welcomed the plea.

Inspector Jenni Surgeon said: "We are very pleased Asghar has admitted this offence. These animals were forced to live in appalling conditions and the majority did not have any access to food or water. It is now up to the court to decide on an appropriate punishment."

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