SWANSEA MAN JAILED AND BANNED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE
On July 4, 2025, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Paula Milton attended the home of Andrew Matthews with police to investigate reports that he had been physically and verbally abusing his crossbreed dog, Lola.Witnesses reported hearing Matthews making threats to kill the animal.
Smacking sounds were heard followed by the cries of a dog.
In a statement to the court, ARO Milton said that she found Lola was not able to bear weight on her right front leg, suffering from lameness in both forelegs, with swelling in the ankle joint, especially prominent in the right limb.
She noticed a "significant swelling" on the wrist of the right leg.
Matthews admitted he had not taken the dog to a vet in the seven years he kept her.
The dog was seized and taken into RSPCA care.
A vet examined Lola and found degenerative joint disease affecting both wrists, with x-rays showing bony changes indicative of ongoing arthritis.
Lola also had multiple scars over her muzzle, elbow, and wrists of unexplained origin.
Despite extensive pain relief, Lola remained unable to walk properly and was humanely put to sleep after a poor prognosis.
The attending vet stated: “Lola’s breed and age would normally make her a very active dog, but I felt if she was still unable to walk and exercise anywhere near normally while still on three different pain relief medications she would likely suffer ongoing pain and would be unlikely to be able to lead a normal life fulfilling her physical needs.” The vet added: “The dog was in obvious pain such that a reasonable owner should have sought veterinary attention, which was separate to the possibility raised by witnesses that the owner may have been the cause of at least some of the dog’s pain.
These changes would have taken weeks to months to develop.” Matthews pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on February 24, 2026.
The court heard he struggled with alcoholism and was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Investigator Inspector Gemma Cooper commented: “Poor Lola’s lameness was obvious and prolonged, but the defendant failed to get her veterinary help.
Owners have a legal responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to provide prompt vet treatment for their pets.” **Sentencing: 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; one-year alcohol treatment program; 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) Days; court costs of £400; lifetime ban.**
