Animal welfare charges denied

Man set to face July trial

The director of a private security company has denied a catalogue of charges relating to the welfare of 33 dogs, 17 puppies and 15 cats in rural Perthshire.

The animals are said to have been kept in squalid conditions, some without adequate ventilation, light, hydration and nutrition, at South Cairnies Farm Cottage, Glenalmond, near prestigious Glenalmond College, for more than 16 months.

Twenty-eight-year-old Daanyaal Chowdhury is alleged to have been the “person responsible” for the dogs and cats under the terms of the 2006 Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act.

But it is claimed that he failed to ensure that their needs were met to the extent of good practice by failing to provide dry bedding, adequate shelter from the elements and adequate resting areas between June 24, 2019, and October 28, 2020.

He is also accused of exposing them to loose and exposed electrical cables and garden debris hazards and that they weren’t allowed to “exhibit normal behavioural patterns.”

In addition, part of one of the detailed charges alleges that Chowdhury exposed the animals to “diarrhoea, faeces and urine.”

It is further alleged that on a range of dates in 2020, he caused 18 of the dogs and 17 cats - one which subsequently died - “unnecessary suffering” by failing to provide adequate care and treatment and failing to obtain veterinary advice or treatment for them while they suffered from a range of different conditions.

The cat said to have died was a female Bengal called Bella which was claimed to have respiratory and eye conditions, as well as neurological disease, including severe ataxia (impaired co-ordination). It is said that he failed to provide follow-up veterinary advice or treatment for her.

It is alleged that the other 16 cats suffered from health conditions including ear mite infestation and conjunctivitis.

One of the dogs, a black and tan female German Shepherd named Sophie, was claimed to be suffering from chronic skin disease, wounds between its toes, hair loss and overgrown nails.

Another, a female Spanish Mastifftype called Dolly, is alleged to have had dermatitis, eczema, an infected wound, hair loss and a matted coat.

As well as the eight charges brought under the Animal Health and

Welfare Act, a ninth count claims that Chowdhurry flouted the Breeding of Dogs Act, 1973.

As well as the eight counts brought under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, a final charge claims that between June 24, 2019, and October 28, 2020, again at South Cairnies, Chowdhury kept a breeding establishment for dogs other than under the authority of a licence granted in accordance with the provisions of the 1973 legislation.

A solicitor for the accused, who gave his address as Meldon Road, Manchester, said he is a director of K9 Cube Ltd.

The lawyer maintained that his client didn’t have “direct control” of the dogs and he didn’t operate the kennels.

There were handlers that worked for him who had “direct contact” with the animals.

Through the auspices of the SSPCA, the animals had been removed last October.

A not guilty plea was entered to all charges and he was freed on bail.

Trial was set for July 13, with an earlier hearing scheduled for June 24.

The internet lists the company’s business address as Harrow, London.

It is said to provide both private and public services in dog security, static work and door supervision.