ALED ROBERTS FROM TYWYN SHOCKS COMMUNITY WITH CRUELTY TOWARD PUPPY IN CAERNARFONSHIRE

Aled Wyn Roberts, born on May 6, 1991, and most recently residing on High Street in Tywyn, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty crimes in Caernarfonshire. Originally from Pwlhelli, Roberts's disturbing actions towards a young puppy have shocked residents and animal lovers alike.

Roberts was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a defenseless black collie named Twm. The court heard that he inflicted blunt force trauma and engaged in violent acts, including strangulation, which ultimately led to the puppy's death. The severity of his cruelty was highlighted during the trial, with evidence revealing that Roberts beat the puppy before choking him to death, an act that was described as a tragic culmination of neglect and violence.

Prosecutor Gareth Bellis detailed Roberts's troubling history with animals, citing a friend’s account that painted a picture of neglectful behavior. According to the testimony, Roberts would leave animals confined in cages at his unkempt and dirty flat, often forgetting about their existence. An example was given of a hamster that was found dead in its cage, which Roberts apparently did not realize or acknowledge. The court also heard allegations that Roberts had previously smacked his cats, further demonstrating a pattern of cruelty.

The case gained widespread attention after social media posts shared graphic images and details of Roberts’s actions. An animal advocate even started a petition demanding justice for Twm, reflecting the community’s outrage and concern.

Additional disturbing allegations emerged during the proceedings, including claims about Roberts’s behavior and his relationship with his mother. During a video call in April 2023, Roberts was recorded complaining about his five-month-old border collie, stating that the dog was crying in its crate. Witnesses reported seeing Roberts hit the dog forcefully with his hand, and he was also observed kicking and punching the animal. On the same day, Roberts reportedly called a friend, grinning, to inform him that the dog was dead.

Following the incident, Twm’s body was taken to a veterinary clinic, where Roberts told staff he was unaware of how the puppy had died. The court heard that Roberts had previously attempted to choke a cat using a headphone lead and had screamed at a budgie, refusing to feed it, indicating a pattern of violent and neglectful behavior towards animals.

In sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts of Caernarfon Crown Court sentenced Roberts to 18 months in prison. The judge also issued a lifetime ban on Roberts owning any animals, emphasizing the severity of his cruelty. The judge remarked that Roberts had shown a complete lack of understanding of how to care for the puppy, noting that the initial novelty of owning the dog had worn off, leading to neglect and ultimately violence.

The court described the suffering inflicted on Twm as considerable, citing a post-mortem examination that revealed internal injuries, including fractured ribs, caused by Roberts’s actions. His lawyer argued that Roberts’s mental health issues contributed to his behavior and requested a suspended sentence, but the court ultimately imposed the prison term and the lifelong ban to protect future animals from potential harm.