Dogs put down after being kept in shed 'covered in faeces'

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Two men have been sentenced and six dogs had to be put down after inspectors discovered a breeding and fertility clinic stinking of urine and faeces in a shed.

Paul Robertson and Alexander Myers appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) found Myres ran a dog breeding and fertility operation out of Robertson’s home, despite holding no breeder’s licence and not being registered as a veterinary practice.

A shed was used as a makeshift canine fertility centre where procedures such as artificial insemination, drawing of blood to monitor ovulation and microchipping were performed by an unqualified individual.

Robertson received a £270 fine, while Myers was sentenced to 180 hours community payback service, a £90 fine and was banned from owning dogs for three years.

Police Scotland alerted the Scottish SPCA after attending the property on an unrelated matter and raising concerns for the welfare of the dogs.

An SSPCA Inspector said: “There was an overwhelming stench of faeces and urine coming from the kennels and shed areas.

“The sheds were dark, poorly ventilated and coated in faeces. In total, 32 dogs were found at the residence.

“Three were living in the house as pets, while the remainder were kept in unsanitary kennels.”

Triage examinations revealed multiple health concerns including: Ocular disease, Dermatological disease, Musculoskeletal disease and Respiratory disorders.

One dog, a female French Bulldog named Miss Piggy, was said to have been found collapsed, shivering, and with fresh wounds to her ears and face.

She also had an untreated ingrown toenail embedded in her paw.

Despite urgent efforts, her condition was too advanced and she was euthanised to “prevent further suffering”.

A further five dogs had to be euthanised due to their poor condition.

Both parties pled not guilty to these charges and no convictions were made in respect to them.

The inspector added: “We respect the court’s decision but are disappointed the sentencing was not stronger.

“Even so, this case is a step in the right direction in highlighting the risks of unregulated fertility clinics and the neglect of animal welfare that so often accompanies them.

“Robertson and Myers have failed to ensure the welfare of the many dogs in their care and we are increasingly seeing people operating fertility clinics from their homes.

“These clinics are completely unregulated, pose serious risks to animal welfare. In some cases, animals are seriously injured after having blood drawn by unqualified individuals.”

To report any act of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website.