A Rhondda Cynon Taf man has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years after he caused unnecessary suffering to his Bedlington terrier.
Neil Howarth of Blaenllechau, Ferndale, was found guilty of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act – following an earlier not guilty plea.
The offence was that he caused unnecessary suffering to a male Bedlington terrier called Reg by failing to adequately investigate and address his ear infections and ear masses.
On Wednesday 11 December he was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court and was disqualified from keeping all animals for five years. He was also ordered to pay £1,256 costs, a £420 fine and £168 victim surcharge.
In mitigation the defendant – who represented himself – told the court he was trying but didn’t trust local vets and did not have the money that he thought was the local vets profiteering through their quotes.
In a witness statement, provided to the court, RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper said that Reg had been taken in by Hope Rescue in Llanharan as a stray and a vet had said he was suffering unnecessarily because of masses in his ears.
She said: “He had fur loss over his head and neck and his skin was pink and looked sore. Both of his ears were in a horrendous state, they were both filled with large masses and thick, compacted, brown discharge and hair.
“In 14 years as an RSPCA Inspector, these are the worst ears I have seen. He continuously shook his head and stretched his ears. His ears were extremely smelly. He was clearly uncomfortable.”
An investigation found that Howarth was the owner of Reg.
Reg – who was initially taken into possession by police and placed under the care of the RSPCA – was later signed over to the charity.
Reg had the large mass removed from his left ear at RSPCA Newbrook Veterinary Hospital and has recovered well, although he may need further surgery in the future.
He was transferred into the care of a RSPCA branch who placed him with one of their dedicated fosterers and is due to be rehomed.
