DOLGELLAU WILDLIFE CRIMINALS ANDREW PUGH AND DOMINIC THOMAS CAUSE SUFFERING TO DOGS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Dolgellau, two men, Andrew Lloyd Pugh and Dominic John Thomas, have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to their dogs through neglect and abuse. The investigation, carried out by the RSPCA’s specialized operations unit (SIU), uncovered evidence of severe injuries and neglect that prompted police warrants at both men's addresses in Dolgellau on March 10, 2022.

Andrew Pugh, residing at Tyn Y Coed, Ganllwyd, Dolgellau LL40 2HW, was specifically charged with failing to provide veterinary care for a female terrier known as Storm. The dog was found with extensive facial scarring, including a degloving injury to her jaw, which indicated she had suffered significant trauma. Veterinary assessments suggested that her injuries were consistent with injuries sustained during badger fighting, a brutal activity often linked to illegal wildlife crimes. Storm was seized by police and taken into the care of the RSPCA, where she remains under their protection.

Similarly, Dominic Thomas, who lives at 1 Ffordd Heulog, Dolgellau LL40 1HH, was also implicated in neglecting his dogs. During the police raid, five dogs were confiscated from his residence, including a male terrier named Charlie. Charlie was found with infected wounds on his muzzle and old scars, indicating ongoing suffering. Witnesses and veterinary reports confirmed that both Storm and Charlie had suffered unnecessarily, with injuries that bore the hallmarks of activities involving dog fighting and interactions with wild animals, such as badgers.

Further details emerged during the investigation, revealing that Thomas was involved in activities that included forcing dogs to fight wild animals for sadistic entertainment. It was also reported that when police officers approached Thomas’s property, he attempted to evade arrest by throwing a dog over the fence and fleeing the scene. However, North Wales Police later apprehended him and recovered the dog, returning it to the property.

Witness statements from attending veterinarians emphasized the severity of the injuries sustained by Storm and Charlie. The vets described the injuries to their lower jaws as typical of those inflicted during illegal dog fighting or badger baiting, activities that are strictly prohibited under law. The court proceedings confirmed that both men had neglected their responsibilities as dog owners, leading to the suffering of their animals.

As part of the court’s ruling, the six dogs seized from the properties are to be rehomed, including Storm and Charlie, who were subject to deprivation orders. The sentencing also mandated that Pugh and Thomas each complete 240 hours of unpaid community service, pay costs amounting to £695, and contribute to a victim surcharge. Additionally, both men received a five-year ban from owning or keeping dogs. Pugh’s ownership of a female black Patterdale named Sally was also addressed through an Animal Welfare Act section 35 order, which restricts his ability to possess animals in the future.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and animal welfare organizations in tackling illegal wildlife and animal cruelty activities in the Dolgellau area, sending a clear message that such neglect and cruelty will not be tolerated.