A stud farmer who posed as a vet and kept animals in such poor conditions some had to be put down has been told he is facing jail.
Bernard Wentink neglected dogs and horses at his home in Coalburn, Lanarkshire, and in buildings in nearby Lesmahagow and Cumbernauld.
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard the 54-year-old had carried out veterinary procedures on horses as part of his stud business for more than 15 years, despite not having the required qualifications.
Scottish SPCA investigators searched Mr Wentink's properties in October 2023 and seized 13 dogs and numerous horses.
Officers found horses kept in stables in total darkness 'standing in deep wet faeces', while others had barely any food and no water.
The animals had conditions including dental disease, dermatitis, lice and swelling of the limbs, and some were malnourished. The skeletal remains of a horse were also found.
Bernard Wentink is facing animal cruelty charges
Investigators searching his home found eight dogs in cages suffering from 'pain, discomfort and exposure to disease' due to the 'unsanitary conditions'.
Four dogs were found in an outdoor enclosure amid large amounts of faeces and with no access to food or water.
Examinations found 'widespread disease and neglect' with some animals displaying 'psychological distress'.
Despite receiving veterinary attention, three dogs and a black mare had to be put down.
Fiscal depute Katie Allen told the court the poor condition of the animals would have been 'obvious to any reasonable owner'. Mr Wentink admitted seven breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act and one of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
Sheriff Derek Livingston deferred sentence until December 1. He told Mr Wentink: 'Uppermost in my mind is imprisonment, but I will be looking at all other alternatives.'
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