#MostEvil | Kimberley Georgina Dixon aka Kimberley Roberts, born 13 November 1994, and Calum Scott Jones, born 20 March 1992, previously of Heol Bowys, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool – starved their two dogs to death over a month
Dixon and Jones pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs, a Labrador named Bronson and a German Shepherd named Kiara, by failing to provide them with an adequate diet and a suitable environment.
Mr Huw Wyn Williams, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court the dogs had been starved for a month and locked in a utility room.
Concerns were first raised by Social Services in July 2015, which prompted RSPCA Inspector Lewis to visit the couple’s home.
Inspector Lewis noted the dogs were thin. The dog food brand was changed and by September 2015 the animals had gained weight.
However, further concerns from Social Services were followed by reports on December 18, 2015, that the dogs had died and were buried in the garden.
The couple claimed the dogs were perfectly well the day before.
After an exhumation order was granted, the dogs were sent to Liverpool University for examination.
A post mortem stated there was no residual fat on the two pets.
Three days after their death, Bronson, who should had been 25 to 30kg, weighed 8.1kg.
Kiara should have weighed 30 to 40kg, but weighed just 11.6kg.
In the opinion of the vet, the animals would not have been able to stand, or would have found it very difficult, describing them as little more than skeletons.
The vet’s report also said the dogs would have collapsed 48 hours prior to their death, having not had nutrition for four weeks.
In interview the couple described Kiara as a “picky eater” and claimed that Bronson rushed through his food before throwing up.
Owain Jones, defending the couple, told magistrates three reasons for them not to be jailed.
He said they took full responsibility and accepted they were “grossly negligent on many levels”.
Mr Jones also said they were badly upset, after failing to juggle looking after children and the dogs.
The defendants suffered with anxiety, Dixon also with depression, and Mr Jones described the couple as vulnerable and unable to cope.
Mr Jones also told magistrates he hoped they put a suspended sentence in place for the sake of the couple’s two young children.
He asked magistrates that if they imposed an order banning the couple from owning animals, could they make an exception for birds, as the family had a pet budgie, and if they lost that it would be “too much for the children”.
Magistrates described the couple’s gross negligence as “disturbing”.
Sentencing:
Dixon was given a 12-week jail term, suspended for two years and Jones eight weeks, suspended for two years. Total of £230 costs and charges each. Both were disqualified from owning animals, apart from birds, for 15 years (expires 2031).
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2018 update
Calum Scott Jones and Kimberley Georgina Dixon have separated and are both living with new partners. He still lives locally at Trembanwy, Llanfair Caereinion SY21 0DY and but she has relocated to another part of Wales. Her current address is Lower Hill Street, Blaenavon, Pontypool NP4 9EP.
