(Image: RSPCA Cymru)
Last Updated: 33 seconds ago
A man from Pontardawe has been disqualified from keeping all animals for a decade and handed a suspended prison sentence after veterinary staff raised concerns over the condition of his severely emaciated dog.
Matthew Edward Perry, 39, of Parc Gilbertson, admitted a single offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 3.
How concerns were raised
The court heard that Perry brought the body of his 13-year-old Dalmatian, Pepper, to a veterinary practice on August 25 last year to be cremated. Staff who received the remains were alarmed by the animal’s physical state and reported their concerns.
What the vet found
In a written statement, the examining vet said they were “very concerned by her poor condition” and that Pepper was “emaciated with her ribs, spine and hip bones prominent”.
Pepper was given a body condition score of just one out of nine, with four to five considered normal. The vet also noted significant muscle mass loss.
The vet stated: “In this body condition she will have broken down muscle mass and will have been weak and uncomfortable, affecting her ability to exhibit natural behaviour.”
An untreated abscess was also discovered on Pepper’s left upper jawbone, described as a burst wound that had received no veterinary attention.
The vet said: “An abscess generally throbs and is tender to the touch due to the pressure of the pus buildup and would have been painful.”
It was estimated that Pepper had endured a minimum of three weeks of suffering. The practice confirmed she had not been seen by a vet since 2018.
The offence
Perry admitted failing to ensure Pepper’s needs were met by not investigating or addressing her deteriorating body condition, and by not seeking prompt veterinary treatment for the abscess on her left jawbone. The charge was brought under section 9(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Sentencing
In addition to the 10-year ban on keeping animals, Perry received a three-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. He was also made subject to a community order for 12 months with a requirement to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, and was ordered to pay £400 in costs.
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper said: “We’d like to thank the veterinary practice for their assistance here in what must have been an upsetting incident to deal with.
“All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and should have their needs met.”
