MAGISTRATES adjourned the case of a man accused of mistreating his greyhounds.

Clive Elliott, 39, of Stratton St Margaret, has been charged with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and two counts of not taking reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal were met – both offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The charges have been brought by the RSPCA, which has a responsibility for investigating and prosecuting allegations of animal cruelty.

It is alleged Elliott failed to provide seven greyhound-type dogs with a diet of adequate nutritional value. The dogs named in the charge are Jemstone Bobby, Klockwork Kasino, Riverside Drogba, Wiliss Lay/Dave, Lily Gadfly/Baby, Got home Annie/Annie and Law Together/Beauty.

Elliott is accused of having failed to adequately check the seven dogs for signs of ill-health leading to untreated ailments including underweight body conditions, abscesses and ulcers of the leg. He has also been charged with failing to exercise daily care and supervision in respect of their protection from harm.

He is alleged to have caused dog Lily Gadfly/Baby unnecessary suffering by failing to provide her with adequate and professional veterinary care and attention for her severe oral disease.

The charges are dated between March 24 and April 14, 2019.

Elliott had been due to appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. However, magistrates adjourned the case to November 26 after hearing Elliott was unable to attend.