#The List Karl Mark Hobday, born 06/11/1970, of 175 Newport Road, Caldicot NP26 4AE – left his pet dog in pain with chronic and severe skin disease for nearly two years.
Hobday failed to take black Labrador Holly a vet for treatment and the creature was in such a “shocking” condition that an RSPCA inspector at first couldn’t identify her breed.
Hobday pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act when he appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court this week.
Speaking after the case, RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels said: “This dog was suffering for many months with chronic conditions which left her skin so raw, sore and thickened.
“The court heard she had suffered because her owner had not sought veterinary care, which is heartbreaking and means her suffering could have been easily avoided.
“Initially, it was very difficult to even identify the breed of this black labrador, as the skin was in such shocking condition.
“Fortunately, Holly has undergone a remarkable, heart-warming transformation in RSPCA care and has been happily rehomed. Her story is an amazing example of why the RSPCA exists.”
Sentencing: 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay £485 costs and charges. Banned from keeping animals for five years.