A man from Lanarkshire has been admonished following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

19-year old Patrick-Michael McCluskey of Selkirk Way, Coatbridge pled guilty on 1 November at Airdrie Sheriff Court to failing to provide a clean and safe environment for two dogs in his care. A not guilty plea was accepted for his mother, 59-year-old Sylvia Claire McCluskey.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Jack Marshall, said, “We had attended the address on Selkirk Way on several occasions between October 2017 and May 2022. We provided Patrick-Michael McCluskey with advice and support on how to care for his animals but unfortunately the conditions at the property continued to deteriorate. We removed several dogs and cats from his care during this period.

“A previous report to the fiscal in May 2021 resulted in a fiscal’s warning being issued about the conditions animals were being kept in on the premises.

“In September 2022 we received a call from Police Scotland who had attended Selkirk Way on an unrelated matter and become extremely concerned due to conditions at the property.

“We gained a warrant to enter the address and this was conducted on 14 September 2022.

“On entering the property we found it was full of household waste, clutter and animal faeces.

“There were two one-year-old dogs at the property, a poodle-type dog named Lady and a husky named Lola.

“Due to concerns for their welfare they were immediately removed from the address and taken for veterinary examination.

“It’s disappointing that this case has only resulted in an admonishment as any responsible owner would have been able to see that the conditions within the property were far from suitable for any person, let alone an animal, to have to endure.

“If anyone is concerned about the welfare of an animal they can call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”