A dog owner has been banned from keeping animals for two-and-a-half years after failing to look after his Blue French Bulldog and his American Bulldog.
Peter Glover, 49, of West View, Rudry, pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 7.
RSPCA officers had tried to work with Glover to address the animals’ needs, but despite repeated attempts, Glover failed to provide ongoing veterinary treatment. The RSPCA said it had no choice but to pursue criminal proceedings.
Required veterinary care for the French bulldog, known as Skylar, was not arranged despite a nasty ear infection; while Cariad – an American bulldog – was not provided with required veterinary support despite a serious eye condition.
Sadly, Cariad later died following complications after surgery for pyometra – a womb infection – but Skylar is in the care of the RSPCA and will soon be made available for rehoming.
RSPCA Cymru said the man’s inaction amounted to “a clear failure of duty” with the needs of both unwell dogs unmet.
In addition to a 30-month ban from keeping animals, Glover was fined £120, and told to pay £85 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels said: “Education and working with owners is always a priority for the RSPCA – but, sadly, we were ultimately left with no choice but to pursue legal action in this case.
“Skylar’s ear infection and Cariad’s eye problems were not given the ongoing veterinary attention that this man was legally bound to give them. There was a clear failure of duty to these poor animals.”
She added: “Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets. It’s so sad that, in this instance, that responsibility was not met.”
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