A cruel puppy farmer who left dozens of dogs, cats and kittens in faeces-covered cages has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to 65 animals.
The Scottish SPCA carried out a raid at a property belonging to Daanyaal Chowdhury near Glenalmond, Perthshire, after the alarm was raised by a vet in October 2020.
Groups of wet puppies and kittens were found without access to food or water within three 'chaotic and hazardous’ rooms at South Cairnies Farm Cottage - with officers noting an extremely strong smell of urine and faeces.
Poorly constructed kennels at the rear of the property housed a number of large adult dogs which were covered in animal waste.
Most had no access to bedding or water. Investigators found cats kept in similarly dirty conditions in a separate building where the plywood walls and roof were soaked through and mouldy.
A vet later examined 32 dogs, 17 kittens and 16 cats which were seized from Chowdhury’s animal mill. They were found to have multiple dermatological, respiratory, ophthalmic, and ear related diseases.
Despite the best efforts of medics, one kitten, named Bella, had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds due to a persistent breathing issue.
Chowdhury, from Manchester, who is the director of a London-based firm which supplied working dogs for security purposes, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences at Perth Sheriff Court on April 27.
The court granted an order at that time preventing him from owning, keeping or dealing in animals for five years. During sentencing on Thursday, he was also ordered to perform 90 hours of unpaid work and placed under supervision for 12 months.
Chowdhury’s severe neglect was discovered after a local vet raised concerns about a diseased German Shepherd called Sophie who had been brought to their practice on behalf of the businessman.
Speaking following the sentencing, Helen Nisbet, Procurator Fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: “This was a case of widespread and indiscriminate neglect where cats, dogs and puppies were caused unnecessary suffering.
“This suffering was entirely preventable and could have been avoided by proper management and timely veterinary involvement. Instead, Daanyaal Chowdhury failed to provide the animals he was responsible for with an adequate environment and kept them in terrible, inhumane conditions.
“He failed to provide proper care and treatment and protect them from disease. I would like to thank the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland for their part in investigating and gathering evidence of these offences.
“The Procurator Fiscal will continue to hold to account those who would commit such crimes and we would urge anyone with information of animal neglect to contact the police or the Scottish SPCA.”
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