CAROLINE TILLEY FROM RHOOSE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO SKELETAL DOG IN CARDIFF

In a case that has shocked the local community of Rhoose and the wider Cardiff area, Caroline Tilley, born on February 15, 1978, and residing at South View, Rhoose, CF62 3EN, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving a dog named Roxy. The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Rhoose, culminated in a court hearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on September 25, 2018, where Tilley pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

According to reports, Tilley had been advised by her veterinarian to consider euthanasia for Roxy, who was suffering from critical health issues. Despite this professional advice, Tilley chose to ignore the recommendations and allowed Roxy to remain in her care, neglecting her worsening condition for an additional three months. It was only after the RSPCA Cymru was alerted to the dog's dire state that authorities intervened and attended the property in Rhoose.

When RSPCA officers arrived, they found Roxy in a deplorable state. The dog was collapsed on the ground, barely able to lift her head, with her body described as “skeletal” by the attending inspector. Her condition was so severe that veterinary efforts to save her proved futile, and she was euthanized to end her suffering. The inspector, Gemma Black, expressed her distress over the case, stating, “This was a hugely upsetting case, and a very sorry but pertinent example of the state an animal can get into if not given appropriate, timely help in their hour of need. I found poor Roxy skeletal, unable to stand and in a woeful body condition. Her owner’s failure to act resulted in her needlessly suffering, and being in extreme pain for a long time. I have been an RSPCA inspector for 11 years, but the sight of Roxy, barely able to lift her head, and collapsed to the floor will live with me forever.”

Following her guilty plea, Caroline Tilley was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes a 20-day rehabilitation activity. Additionally, she was subjected to a three-month curfew and ordered to pay total costs and charges amounting to £385. Importantly, she was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in October 2026.

The case, originating from the Llantwit Major area, has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The community and animal welfare organizations continue to emphasize the need for responsible pet ownership and timely intervention in cases of animal suffering.