A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man accused of causing the death of three dogs.
Ivor Duncan allegedly failed to provide the dogs with enough food or exercise over a two month period at a property in Aberdeen.
It is alleged the pets became so malnourished and stressed by their faeces-covered surroundings they had to be put down.
The 32-year-old was due to appear in court yesterday to face the allegations, but he failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Prosecutors claim Duncan starved the animals between July 1 and September 1 last year at a flat on Aberdeen’s Great Northern Road.
He is also accused of failing to provide them with an environment where they could socialise with other dogs and humans.
As a result it is claimed the dogs developed behavioural difficulties which led to them being put down.
Duncan, of 10 Middlemuir Place, Aberdeen, also faces a further charge that alleges he failed to ensure the needs of the animals were met.
It is alleged they were living in premises littered with faeces and contaminated with urine.
The charge states the dogs were undernourished and had been chewing on empty cans and other items.
One of the dogs allegedly had weak leg muscles and was flat-footed due to a lack of exercise.
Duncan faces two charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Scotland Act 2005.
He previously denied the offences during a court appearance in April this year.