Animal charity wins legal fight

The Scottish SPCA has won a legal battle against a dog security firm to rehouse animals found in neglected and disease-ridden conditions.

The organisation has been granted permission to move on “or otherwise dispose of” dozens of dogs and cats found in appalling conditions at a breeding centre on a Perthshire farm.

It was forced to take legal action with bills for the seizure and temporary accommodation of the animals rapidly approaching £100,000.

K9 Cube provided animals to work in security and as sniffer dogs and had used South Cairnies Farm Cottage, in Glenalmond, as a breeding hub.

But after reports from the public, it was raided by police and Scottish SPCA officers.

Perth Sheriff Court was told the animals suffered “multiple dermatological, respiratory, opthalmic and optic diseases” and “physical and psychological harm”.

In a written judgment, Sheriff Linda Smith said: “One dog required to be put to sleep, six suffered hip dysplasia, seven puppies had dermatitis, four had inflamed ears, six had dental disease or fractures, and the cats were suffering from conjunctivitis and ear mite infestation.

“Of 49 puppies born from the dogs seized, eight passed away shortly after birth, one was put to sleep with a neurological condition and seven were born with congenital deformity and either passed away or were put to sleep as a result of their condition.”

K9 Cube was also found liable for the expenses of the court proceedings.

No- one from the company was available for comment when approached prior to going to press.