Man jailed for ‘appalling’ cruelty towards his dog
A CATRINE man whose dog had to be put down after he abandoned it and left it inside a crate for several days has been jailed for six months.
Daryl Torrance, of Sorn Street, was sentenced at Ayr Sheriff Court after admitting a charge of animal neglect.
The 34-year-old has also been banned from owning or looking after animals for 10 years.
The court heard how an anonymous complainer alerted Scottish SSPCA officers in October 2022, amid concerns a dog had been left for long periods of time and was believed to be locked in the back room of the flat.
The dog, a male brindle and white crossbreed, was found inside the medium sized container lying on a blanket soaked in urine and covered in faeces.
It was so weak he couldn’t even lift his head and had to be immediately euthanised due to extreme suffering.
Alistair Duncan, assistant procurator fiscal for North Strathclyde with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “This was an appalling example of animal cruelty.
“This poor dog was left abandoned for a significant period and suffered the terrible consequences of Daryl Torrance’s shocking neglect.
“The law protects animals from harm and COPFS will continue to work robustly to ensure anyone who breaks the law faces prosecutorial action.”
The Scottish SPCA officers said that after gaining entry to the property with help from East Ayrshire Council joiners, their officers could “quickly sense the severity of the issue”.
Scottish SPCA inspector
Caitin Rea said: “As soon as we entered we were faced with an overpowering stench of ammonia in the stairwell.
“In the back bedroom of the property the smell of both ammonia and faeces was very prominent, and there were several piles of faeces lying on the carpet in the bedroom.
“At the back of the bedroom was a medium sized dog crate with a cover over the top. We removed the cover and was shocked to discover a mediumsized, male, brindle and white crossbreed type dog lying curled up in the corner of the crate.
“The dog was emaciated and in a collapsed state. He was so weak he couldn’t even lift his head.”
Ms Rea added: “There was a bowl of untouched dog food at the other corner of the crate that he would have been unable to reach, and there was no water.
“He was lying on top of a blanket which was covered in urine and faeces.
“We removed the dog from the crate and wrapped him in a fresh blanket. The dog managed to find the energy to wag his tail, which was very distressing. It was clear to that this dog needed urgent veterinary attention.
“The vet recommended euthanasia based on welfare grounds, due to the severity of the dog’s condition.”
However, a microchip revealed Torrance was the registered owner.
Ms Rea said the other two dogs who Torrance admitted failing to properly look after had been rehabilitated and rehomed.
Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of an animal can raise their worries by contacting the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.