*WARNING – graphic images*
A woman has been handed a suspended jail sentence and a life ban from owning animals after failing to get her ill dog the treatment he needed.
Eight-year-old husky Chad had chronic ear infections and was in a deteriorating physical condition, with vets having to put him to sleep.
The dog was in such a bad state that vets said his skin was “falling away” when touched.
The dog’s owner, Nicola Mireille Jones, of Pant y Syd Road, Aberbargoed, was sentenced at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 18.
She pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence and was handed an 18-week sentence, suspended for two years.
Jones was also fined £443.18 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.
Jones will have to wait five years before she can appeal the decision.
RPSCA Cymru said it had tried to help Jones, making numerous visits to her house relating to the dog’s condition.
RSPCA inspector Gemma Black said: “RSPCA repeatedly tried to help this individual, but they did not ensure the dog had appropriate veterinary care to tackle Chad’s dreadful physical conditions and painful ear infections.
“Sadly, poor Chad’s skin got so bad that vets told us it was beginning to fall away when touched. There was simply no choice but to put this poor, suffering Husky crossbreed to sleep.
“This sad story is a reminder that people should always seek help if they are struggling to look after their dog. The inaction of Chad’s owner cost this dog dearly, and has led to her being banned from keeping animals ever again.”