Risca Man Banned from Pets After Bulldog Found Nearly Hairless

🐕 A Risca man has been disqualified from keeping animals after his English Bulldog, Loona, was found with severe untreated skin conditions that caused her to lose 90% of her fur.

Ryan Kenneth John Stephens, 29, pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates’ Court to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide proper veterinary care for his pet.

“She was extremely pleased to see people but she had very little fur over her body and only really a patch left on the back of her neck. Her skin was thickened, smelt yeasty, the skin on her legs looked like saggy tights and she was extremely itchy,” stated Sian Burton in her witness statement to the court.

RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans noted: “The dog was 90% lacking in body hair with only the back of her neck having any real cover. Her skin was red and looked sore and felt very hot to the touch. She was, though, very bright, active and alert and very friendly.”

The court heard that Loona had been suffering for at least four months. Despite Stephens’ defence that he was caring for a relative during a difficult time, he was fined £200, ordered to pay £780 in additional costs, and banned from keeping animals for one year.

The good news? 🌟 Loona has made a full recovery and is now ready to find her forever home!