Lanarkshire teenager had 'several' puppies and cats removed after keeping them in filthy conditions

A teenager has been convicted after keeping puppies and cats in a home full of household waste, clutter and animal faeces.

Patrick-Michael McCluskey pled guilty to “failing to provide a clean and safe environment for two dogs in his care” on November 1 at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

The SSPCA removed “several” dogs from Mr McCluskey’s Selkirk Way premises from October 2017 and May 2022.

Among them were two one-year-old pets, a poodle-type dog named Lady and a husky named Lola.

The animal protection charity said it provided the 19-year-old with advice on how to care for his animals but the conditions continued to deteriorate.

The issue came to a head when Police Scotland attended the Coatbridge property on an unrelated matter and became concerned for the animals’ wellbeing.

SSPCA confirmed it gained a warrant and went to the address on September 14, 2022, where officers found the property full of “household waste, clutter and animal faeces”.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Jack Marshall, said: “We had attended the address on Selkirk Way on several occasions between October 2017 and May 2022.

“We provided Patrick-Michael McCluskey with advice and support on how to care for his animals but unfortunately the conditions at the property continued to deteriorate. We removed several dogs and cats from his care during this period.

“A previous report to the fiscal in May 2021 resulted in a fiscal’s warning being issued about the conditions animals were being kept in on the premises.

“In September 2022 we received a call from Police Scotland who had attended Selkirk Way on an unrelated matter and become extremely concerned due to conditions at the property.

“We gained a warrant to enter the address and this was conducted on September 14, 2022.

“On entering the property we found it was full of household waste, clutter and animal faeces.

“There were two one-year-old dogs at the property, a poodle-type dog named Lady and a husky named Lola.

“Due to concerns for their welfare they were immediately removed from the address and taken for veterinary examination.”

McCluskey was admonished by the judge while a not guilty plea from his mother 59-year-old Sylvia Claire McCluskey was accepted by the court.

“It’s disappointing that this case has only resulted in an admonishment as any responsible owner would have been able to see that the conditions within the property were far from suitable for any person, let alone an animal, to have to endure,” Mr Marshall said.

“If anyone is concerned about the welfare of an animal they can call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”