William Ralph Trivett fined £600 over neglect of dogs
A man from North Ayrshire has been fined £600 after being convicted of causing his dogs unnecessary suffering and possessing a banned pesticide.
William Ralph Trivett, 40, from Kilbirnie, admitted five charges at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.
He also received a three year ban on keeping any more than 12 dogs.
Trivett was caught following a probe by the Scottish SPCA, which found dogs living in "disgusting, filthy conditions...without food or water".
Officers from the Scottish SPCA's special investigations unit removed seven dogs from kennels at Mid-house Farm, Kilbarchan, Johnstone in March 2010.
A further search of Trivett's home found a jar of the banned pesticide, Cymag, in an unlocked shed.
The 40-year-old admitted one count of causing his dogs unnecessary suffering, two counts of failing to ensure their welfare and two further charges relating to the possession of the highly toxic substance, sodium cyanide.
Ch Supt Mike Flynn, of the Scottish SPCA, said: "We are glad Trivett now has a conviction for his offences as he has shown a blatant disregard for the welfare of his dogs.
"However, we believe that an outright ban on keeping animals would have been an appropriate punishment.
"Some of the dogs had injuries which had been left untreated and they were subjected to living in disgusting, filthy conditions in make-shift kennels without food or water."
Ch Supt Flynn said it was "only by good luck" that no-one had been "seriously harmed or killed with the lethal chemicals" Trivett stored on his property.
He added: "Thankfully Trivett signed seven of his dogs into our care, all of which are now fully fit and healthy. We will go on to find them good homes with responsible owners."