CONVICTED (2018) | Gareth Lewis of 3 Snail Creep Terrace, Cwmavon, Pontypool NP4 8XE – failed to treat a painful, infected wound on his dog’s body
Gareth Lewis, who is in his 50s, pleaded guilty to causing the dog to suffer unnecessarily at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court.
He failed to suitably treat an infected wound on the body of his Staffordshire bull terrier, named Cass, instead claiming he was treating the abscess himself with antiseptic spray.
RSPCA Cymru was alerted when members of the public noticed Cass with an open wound to the shoulder and neck area. The charity learned that an abscess on the dog had burst in November 2016.
The animal had then been given pain relief by vets, who recommended the collection of pus be removed, or the dog be given further veterinary care. The RSPCA gave the owner a free voucher for veterinary treatment to help the dog – something he opted not to use.
Lewis instead claimed he had opted to treat the wound himself using antiseptic spray; treatment the RSPCA have said was “wholly inappropriate” and which led the dog to suffer.
The lump has now been removed from the dog’s neck, and he has been safely rehomed – and renamed Taz – via the RSPCA’s Newport Animal Centre on Hartridge Farm Road.
RSPCA inspector Emma Smith said: “This poor Staffordshire bull terrier has suffered because his owner failed to ensure he was given the veterinary treatment he so badly needed.
“A nasty, painful infected wound in the dog’s neck and shoulders needed urgent care – but despite recommendations in November 2016 that it would need to be removed, Cass’ owner failed to help his dog.
“Multiple attempts to work with the owner – including the provision of a free veterinary voucher – sadly failed; given his refusal to give this poor dog the help he so desperately needed.
“Claims that the dog was being treated with antiseptic spray are wholly inappropriate, and we’re just relieved we were able to intervene in time to help this poor dog, who now – having been rehomed from the RSPCA’s Newport Animal Centre – has a second chance of forever home happiness, with his new name Taz.
“This case highlights the importance of ensuring appropriate veterinary treatment is given to pets. People have important legal responsibilities towards their animals – and Taz’s ordeal highlights the potential consequences if these are not adhered to.”
Sentencing: 12-week prison sentence – suspended for twelve months. 200 hours of unpaid work. Total of £415 fines and charges. Banned from keeping any animal for ten years (expires April 2028).