A method for neutralizing disagreeable odours from animal excretions and excrement, comprising the steps of applying to a surface having a significant odour from animal excretions or excrement an agent including a compound selected from the group consisting of C10 to C12 aliphatic alcohols, C10 to C13 aldehydes, C13 to C18 aliphatic ketones, aromatic ketones having a musk odour and up to 18 carbon