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Mark Cuthbert, from Ayr, was also banned from keeping domestic pets for 10 years after the court watched harrowing footage of his dogs ripping two cats apart.

The 42-year-old, from Thornyflat Place, initially denied causing his dogs to attack and kill cats and organising animal fights to take place on land near to Holmston, Ayr, in 2018.

But when he returned to the dock, he pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty offences and filming the kills on a mobile phone.

Cuthbert also set his dogs on badgers as his sick lust for blood intensified.

Fiscal Depute Tom Dysart told the court how SSPCA inspectors searched Cuthbert's home under warrant and uncovered a number of items which led to his conviction.

Cuthbert's dogs also showed signs of injuries "consistent" with fighting.

Sheriff Desmond Leslie told Cuthbert: "Having animals tear other animals apart is not only disgusting but it's a level of depravity which is barely imaginable.

"The inevitable consequences of the charge you have pled guilty to is a custodial sentence."

More to follow....

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