Pet Owner Banned after Dog Found in Severe State of Neglect

A Pontypridd woman has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after her dog was discovered severely underweight and infested with fleas.

Joanne Ridgeway, 31, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her six-to-eight-month-old dog Autumn and failing to meet the animal’s basic needs.

The RSPCA initially visited Ridgeway’s home in October 2023, advising her to increase Autumn’s food intake. However, by December, the brindle cross-breed was found as a stray and taken to Maes Glas Vets in Bridgend.

Vet Dr Álvaro de Jesús Mena Ramírez described Autumn’s condition: “She was also covered in fleas and there was a thick, white discharge in her left eye. When presented with food she ate hurriedly.”

After receiving proper care and treatment, Autumn has since been “very happily rehomed” through Hope Rescue. 🏡

Ridgeway received a two-year community order, must complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay combined costs of £1,187.