A man was this week convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to his ex-girlfriend’s dogs after they died in his care.

Cyrus Mendoza Tan, aged 24, originally denied the charges but later changed his pleas, insisting the deaths of the two dogs were due to a lack of supervision rather than deliberate acts.

His former girlfriend told police that Tan had been bathing one, called Orea, at her flat in Queen’s Apartments, Douglas, and told her he had found it unconscious after he had left it on its own.

She told officers that on a second occasion Tan arrived at her workplace and told her that her new puppy, Akira, had died, saying a cupboard door had hit its head.

The woman reported both incidents to police after calling them at 4am on December 14, saying she thought he was in the rear car park of the flats.

She said she had heard a noise and the door handle being tried, then banging on the window.

The woman said that she was terrified and the door handle was broken.

She said she did not look out but thought it was Tan.

In a police interview he said that he had no recollection of being at Queen’s Apartments due to mental health issues.

Tan, of Albert Street, Douglas, appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on Tuesday. Prosecutor Barry Swain said : ’There is no direct evidence against Mr Tan. We can’t say he is responsible for drowning the first dog or causing the blunt force trauma to the second.

’The two dogs were cremated before an expert became involved so no forensic evidence could be provided.’

Mr Swain said the basis of plea fitted with a lack of supervision.

’I might be suspicious about that but that is not the test,’ said the prosecutor.

Mr Swain said that Tan had left Akira on the couch and gone to see his ex-girlfriend rather than calling a vet.

’I don’t necessarily believe Mr Tan didn’t have some involvement but it’s what I can prove, not what I suspect,’ said Mr Swain.

Mrs Jayne Hughes said that he will be sentenced on the facts as stated in his basis of plea.

Tan also pleaded guilty to provoking behaviour, damaging property, and possession of cannabis.

He will be sentenced on September 18 after a probation report has been completed.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that he reside at his home address, not contact his former girlfriend, not enter Queen’s Apartments, and obey a curfew between 10pm and 7am.