Newport Man Banned After Puppy Found With Multiple Fractures

A Newport man has been banned from keeping animals for life after admitting to abusing his Labrador puppy, leaving her with multiple broken ribs on different occasions.

Luke Parry, of Tallis Close, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his young Labrador, Belle, through physical abuse that left her with rib fractures from at least three separate incidents. 🐕

The case came to light when Belle was taken to a vet after becoming incontinent following a walk. Parry claimed she became weak and fell in the bath while he was bathing her.

Belle’s condition was so serious that she was transferred to another vet and placed in an oxygen tent. X-rays revealed injuries indicating a partial lung collapse and several rib fractures.

An expert witness who examined the case notes said: “The x-ray showed chronologies of rib injury with the rib fractures showing varying degrees of healing. Taking into account the other radiographic indicators (partial lung collapse and subcutaneous emphysema) along with the compromised lung function displayed, it is highly likely that Belle had sustained a focal blunt force trauma to the right side of her chest resulting in a non-displaced rib fracture and damage to her functional lung tissue.”

The vet concluded: “In my opinion, Belle has been caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse resulting in fractured ribs on at least three separate occasions. Suffering will have been experienced by this animal via mechanisms of fear, distress, and pain.”

Inspector Caroline Richardson said: “Thankfully, despite all Belle has endured, I am pleased to say she recovered well in RSPCA care and has now been rehomed to a loving family. I hope the sentence sends out a strong message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in our society and if prosecuted, those will face severe punishment.”

At Huntingdon Magistrates Court on February 26, Parry was given a lifetime ban on keeping animals and a 15-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. His sentence includes a six-month alcohol treatment requirement, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and an order to pay £300 in costs.

In mitigation, the court heard that Parry was suffering from mental health issues and had drug and alcohol addictions. 🧠