ANTONIO KOVACS FROM WARMLEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AT BRISTOL HOTEL

Antonio Ronaldo Emillio Kovacs, born on January 17, 2002, and residing at 46 Stanley Road, Warmley, Bristol BS15 4NX, has been found guilty of neglecting and mistreating dogs under his ownership. The disturbing case came to light after authorities uncovered a deplorable situation involving multiple animals kept in squalid conditions at the Rangeworthy Court Country House Hotel, located on Church Lane in Rangeworthy, South Gloucestershire.

Between May 22 and June 1, 2021, Kovacs was responsible for the care of several dogs that were housed in makeshift kennels and sheds on the hotel’s premises. The police and RSPCA inspectors responded to concerns raised about the welfare of the animals, leading to a detailed investigation that revealed shocking neglect and poor living conditions.

Prosecutor Lindi Meyer, representing the RSPCA, explained that Rangeworthy Court was a hotel that had been closed during the pandemic, yet it was discovered that 13 dogs were being kept there in unsanitary conditions. The animals’ needs were not being met, and many were suffering as a result. Five dogs were seized during the investigation, including three owned by Kovacs himself. All of these dogs were subsequently signed over to authorities, while others were removed by their owners. Notably, two dogs were signed over to council kennels by Attila Kovacs, the defendant’s father, who had previously been convicted of puppy smuggling in 2016.

Authorities found a large shed with six kennels containing ten dogs, along with another shed housing three additional dogs. The property was unoccupied at the time of the inspection. The police had to force open the shed doors, which had minimal natural light, poor ventilation, and no access to water. Inside, the kennels were filthy, emitting a strong stench of faeces, urine, and ammonia. Many of the dogs showed signs of pressure sores, and all had coats contaminated with urine and faeces, indicating neglect and poor hygiene.

Among the dogs owned by Kovacs was a red Labrador Vizsla named Sarah, who had given birth to six puppies just two days after being seized. The other two dogs at the site included a blue and white French Bulldog named Holly, who had an ulcer in her eye, and a brown and grey wirehaired pointer named Berry, who was suffering from skin infections with pus and open wounds. An inspector noted that Berry had a raised temperature, multiple weeping skin lesions, and was panting quietly, indicating distress. Holly’s eye was affected by watery fluid, and both dogs were suffering from conditions that had persisted for at least a week.

Some of the dogs were removed by the RSPCA, but the remaining eight dogs were left in the kennels temporarily after the authorities cleaned the area, provided fresh water, and bedding. The inspector also spoke with the property owner, who stated that the cottage had been rented out to a family, but their belongings had been removed, and no one was currently residing there.

Further examination at Highcroft Vet Surgery in Bristol revealed Holly’s eye was badly damaged, with the other eye being untreated and likely blind due to the extent of the disease. Holly had a fractured tooth and a permanent defect in her remaining eye, which required surgery. Berry’s fur was matted and had to be shaved to treat her sores, which were open and infected. The vet confirmed that both dogs had been without veterinary care for a long period, which could have been prevented with basic hygiene and medical attention.

During the investigation, an RSPCA inspector observed three men leaving the hotel premises in a white Transit van, speeding away from the site. The dogs were no longer in the shed, and Kovacs claimed they had been taken by his family members. In his interview with the RSPCA, Kovacs stated that he had owned Holly for a couple of years and Berry for three or four years. He claimed that Holly had been seen by Vets4Pets a few months earlier and had received eye drops, but records from the veterinary practice did not support this. Kovacs also claimed that Berry had been treated with cream for her skin issues for several months.

Kovacs explained that the dogs had been at Rangeworthy Court because he had gone to visit his family, and he believed they were under the care of a man named Mr Hassan. He stated he paid £50 for their care and had given Mr Hassan written instructions and medication for a week. Despite this, it was evident that the other dogs at the location were linked to his family, raising questions about his claims of disassociation from his relatives and their breeding activities.

The case raised concerns about prolonged neglect and the potential for reoffending, especially considering the family’s suspected involvement in breeding and selling puppies for commercial purposes, which is currently under investigation by local authorities. The court was also informed that Kovacs attempted to distance himself from his family during his interview, although his address was linked to his father.

Mitigation lawyer Kate Sacof argued that the conditions were relatively short-term and that Kovacs had placed the dogs in that environment while he was on holiday. She emphasized that he was the one who remained and accepted responsibility for the two dogs. She highlighted his youth, only 19 years old, and his lack of previous convictions, suggesting that he was immature and possibly exploited by more criminally inclined individuals.

She presented a character reference from a local shop owner who had known Kovacs for 15 years and noted that he was working three hours a day, earning between £95 and £100 weekly, and aspiring to become an MOT tester once he passed his driving test.

Ultimately, the magistrates decided against a lifelong ban on owning animals but imposed a 10-year ban, which will expire in October 2031. Kovacs was sentenced to 15 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months, along with 200 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £1,300 in prosecution costs, and a £128 victim surcharge. The court also ordered a 10-year ban on owning animals, reflecting the seriousness of the neglect and the risk of reoffending.