Man accused of animal neglect

Cats and dogs were found suffering at Perthshire farm

A man has appeared in court after animal welfare officials raided a Perthshire farm and seized several dogs and cats from the premises.

Daanyall Chowdhury, a Manchesterbased businessman, is accused of causing psychological distress and unnecessary suffering towards the animals at South Cairnies, near Glenalmond, and of failing to obtain proper treatment for them. Perth Sheriff Court heard Chowdhury, 28, had exposed dogs and cats to dangers such as loose electrical cables and unhygienic conditions, while the animals were also said to have endured inadequate ventilation, light and water.

The court was told that since the October raid, some of the 65 dogs which were seized had given birth, putting their total number at more than 100.

Several of the dogs and the 16 cats which were also found on the site were said to be suffering from a range of issues such as wounds, skin and eye conditions and infestations.

Chowdhury, who runs a security dog business called K9 Cube, denies all the charges and is due to stand trial in July.

In the meantime he has been banned from being involved with animals.

AManchester businessman has faced court accused of neglecting dozens of animals at an illicit Perthshire dog breeding farm.

Daanyall Chowdhury, 28, allegedly failed to get proper treatment for dogs and cats at South Cairnies, near Glenalmond, causing them psychological distress and unnecessary suffering.

It is alleged Chowdhury, who runs K9 Cube – a security dog business – exposed animals to loose electrical cables and unhygienic conditions, and failed to provide adequate ventilation, light and water.

He denied all charges at Perth Sheriff Court.

The court heard about 65 dogs were seized from the farm in October in an operation involving the Scottish SPCA.

Fiscal depute David Currie said some of the dogs were pregnant and had since given birth, putting the total number of animals at more than 100.

Chowdhury, whose address was given as Meldon Road, Manchester, will stand trial in July.

He has been handed an interim ban on keeping, dealing or transporting any animals “with the exception of any incidental contact” he may have as part of his employment.

According to court papers, the animals included a black and tan German Shepherd with chronic skin disease, wounds between her toes, hair loss and overgrown nails.

It is further alleged another dog in his care, a female Spanish Mastifftype dog, suffered from dermatitis, eczema, an infected wound, hair loss and a matted coat.

Chowdhury is also accused of failing to get proper treatment for a Bengal cat, which had eye conditions, respiratory problems and neurological disease including severe ataxia. It has since died.

It is alleged six dogs suffered orthopaedic conditions including degrees of dysplasia and four had ear conditions.

Chowdhury is also accused of failing to treat 16 cats, including one which has died, suffering ear mite infestations and conjunctivitis.

The largest charge he faces states that between June 24 2019 and October 28 2020, he failed to take reasonable steps as were reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the needs of 33 dogs, 17 puppies and 15 cats were met, by failing to provide them with an adequate environment.

Chowdhury is accused of failing to allow them to “exhibit normal behaviour patterns” or provide them with a hygienic environment.

It is claimed he failed to protect a number of the animals from diseases, such as zootonic pathogens, other health conditions and suffering including psychological distress.

And prosecutors allege that between June 24 and October 28 last year, he kept a breeding establishment for dogs at the farm which was not properly licensed.

Chowdhury tended pleas of not guilty to all eight charges against him.

RAID: South Cairnies Farm, near Glenalmond, where the alleged offences happened.