CONVICTED (2019) | Stephen David Adams, born c. 1957, of Frank Road, Ely, Cardiff CF5 4DJ – allowed his elderly dog to become so emaciated and ill she had to be euthanised to end her suffering
Stephen Adams pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences after allowing his pet dog, Skips, to get into the “worst, most unimaginable” condition ever seen by a RSPCA inspector in 13 years of service.
Adams had failed to respond to Skips’ weight loss and poor body condition, while untreated diabetes was creating further complications.
The heavily emaciated dog was suffering significant fur loss and skin disease. She was also unable to move properly, making eating and drinking almost impossible for her.
Sadly, her condition was so poor that an independent vet had no choice but to put her to sleep to prevent further suffering.
RSPCA Cymru investigated after receiving a call from someone who was concerned about how the dog was being treated.
Inspector Selina Griffiths told how she had been handed a blue holdall containing the stricken dog whom she said “was practically drawing her last breath” and was in “a disgusting state”.
Inspector Griffiths said: “This was an horrendous case to deal with, with the dog clearly facing unthinkable misery as a consequence of her condition.
She added: “In 13 years on the frontline as an RSPCA inspector, poor Skips was in the worst, most unimaginable condition I have witnessed while working on the frontline.
“Her owner should have visited the vets many, many months before to get poor Skips the help she needed. His failure to do so has caused her a prolonged period of suffering, and agony.”
She continued: “Owning an animal like Skips should be a privilege – but this poor, veteran dog had been allowed to decline so rapidly without the help any dog owner should be prepared to provide.”
A deprivation order was made for another dog belonging to Adams. That dog will now be rehomed.
Sentencing | total of £300 in fines, costs and charges. Banned from keeping animals for just three years (expired).