Ballingry man’s lifetime ban on owning animals

Sheriff tells of ‘appalling details’

The Scottish SPCA has welcomed the lifetime ban given to a Fife man convicted of “appalling” animal neglect.

Paul Kyle, of Martin Crescent in Ballingry, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his two cats, Jupiter and Mars, and his German shepherd Mercury.

The 25-year-old failed to provide vet treatment for the dog, who was suffering from blunt-force trauma to the neck, before she was later found dead with blood coming out of her mouth.

He also admitted failing to meet the needs of the animals between March and May by not providing adequate ventilation, nutrition, hydration and hygienic living conditions.

The court was told that the first offender had struggled to deal with a break-up from a long-term partner which resulted in his finances being affected. He called the SSPCA himself after finding Mercury dead on the floor of his living room on May 1, prompting the investigation.

Scottish SPCA senior inspector Steven Gray said: “I’m happy the courts have dealt with this case and this sentence handed out. This level of neglect didn’t happen overnight and could have easily been avoided.”

Passing sentence at Kirkcaldy, Sheriff Alastair Thornton said:“I’ve heard some pretty appalling details about this case and the state of these animals.

“The neglect seems to be quite extreme and the suffering of these animals, two of which are at least still alive, must have been very great indeed.”

Kyle was banned from owning animals for life and was ordered to perform 270 hours’ unpaid work within six months.