BOSSES from an animal charity say they are "pleased" with the outcome of a case against a Catrine man who was jailed for animal neglect.

Daryl Torrance, of Sorn Street, Catrine, was handed a six-month prison sentence and banned from owning animals for 10 years.

The 34-year-old was hit with the punishment at Ayr Sheriff Court on April 16 after he admitted abandoning a dog and leaving it inside a crate for several days.

The case was brought against him following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.

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Torrance was also found to have failed to provide suitable living conditions to two other dogs and a cat.

Officers from the Scottish SPCA attended a property in Catrine in October 2022 following an anonymous complaint raised about the welfare of a dog.

The charity said that after gaining entry to the property with help from East Ayrshire Council joiners, officers could "quickly sense the severity of the issue".

Cumnock Chronicle: Mr Torrance was sentenced at Ayr Sheriff Court.Mr Torrance was sentenced at Ayr Sheriff Court. (Image: Newsquest)

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 medium-sized, 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."

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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.

“We are pleased that Torrance received imprisonment and a ban on owning animals for ten years.

"His dog clearly endured suffering leading up to his death."

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.