A Rhymney man has been jailed for 18 weeks by magistrates after being found guilty of hanging his sheepdog from a tree.
Graham Thomas, 55, of Rowan Place, Rhymney, claimed the dog, called Prince, had ran up the tree itself with the 20ft rope around its neck. He told the court the dog’s death was accidental after the rope became twisted around the tree and that by the time he had reached it the dog had died.
However, three witnesses who saw what really happened to the Welsh border Collie at Pen Bryn Oer Farm, Rhymney, in August last year, contacted the RSPCA which investigated and prosecuted Thomas under the Animal Welfare Act.
Along with the witness statements, the RSPCA sought the opinion of an expert vet who said it seemed highly unlikely the dog would have been able to climb the tree in question to a height required to cause the dog to hang.
The vet also said Prince’s death would have caused him great fear, distress, and clear unnecessary suffering.
Witnesses told the RSPCA they had seen Thomas shouting and swearing at Prince before the hanging.
Thomas was given an 18-week custodial sentence at a hearing at Newport Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday, March 21, after previously being found guilty during a trial at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court.
He was also banned from keeping dogs and sheep for life and was ordered to pay £750 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £115 at Newport Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates said it was one of the “clearest” acts of cruelty that had been encountered and was so serious that only custody could be justified.
RSPCA inspector Emma Smith said: “This is such an unusual and disturbing case where a sheepdog was killed by his owner allegedly because he wouldn’t round up his sheep properly.
“Prince would have suffered immensely which resulted sadly in his death. This deliberate cruelty is just so horrific to fathom. Following the incident his body was then removed by the defendant and burnt.
“It must have been extremely distressing for the witnesses to have seen this. We are very grateful to them for reporting it to us and assisting with our investigations.”
Should have been given 5 yrs….. 18 weeks he do only 4 that’s justice for this poor dog.
Totally agree Jack. There was no need for this cruelty. Border Collies are wonderful clever dogs, eager to please, work, and who do a great job for us with their herding skills. If the dog was not doing his job properly then he should have re trained it, or if he did not want it anymore, re home it. Well done to the RSPCA for getting it into court.
All animal cruelty cases should carry a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of at least 12 months.
18 weeks in prison is not a sufficient deterrent to others.
I agree wholeheartedly. What an absolute betrayal. A man who is capable of doing that to a dog in his care is capable of doing much worse to others. What a tiny soul.
Gove reported that animal abusers were going to get 5 years – what happened?
Like most politicians – good at making promises,but not good at keeping them.
thought they had brought in a new law sentencing to 5 years for animal abuse?
WTF is wrong the people in this town?? hanging dogs, shooting dogs, cats impaled to trees, past abuser have more animals??? WTFFFF????? This town needs to be obliterated off the planet and the scum that live there.