Man banned from keeping animals over cockerel neglect
A 42-year-old man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to two game-breed cockerels.
Paul Stewart was also sentenced to 100 hours community service and 12 months probation at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The Scottish SPCA conducted a search of Mr Stewart's property, acting on an allegation birds were being kept in poor conditions.
The charity welcomed the conviction and hoped it would "send a strong message".
Mr Stewart admitted failing to provide veterinary treatment for the two birds, who were both suffering from lice infestations which had caused feather loss.
The larger of the birds had its natural heel spurs removed while the smaller had its comb removed.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: "We welcome this conviction which should send a strong message to anyone who thinks it's acceptable to cause an animal unnecessary suffering."