CHERYL DOWD AND JOEL SHEPHERD OF OGMORE VALE CONVICTED FOR DOG NEGLECT IN WALES

Cheryl Ann Dowd, born on October 30, 1991, and Joel Paul Shepherd, born on September 13, 1990, both residents of Walters Road, Ogmore Vale, were found guilty in 2022 of neglecting their dog by failing to treat its skin disease and secondary infections.

The neglectful pet owners, who are parents, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act relating to a border collie-type dog named Charlie. Despite their guilt, they walked free from court with a financial penalty and a limited 12-month ban on keeping dogs.

In a witness statement presented to the court, RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Black described her initial encounter with Charlie on April 7, 2022. She noted that the dog was "alert and active and in reasonable bodily condition," but was missing fur in many areas. "A large section of Charlie’s back was bald, with thickened black skin," Black stated.

She observed that "the paws all looked like the skin surrounding them was red, sore and inflamed," and there was "reddening around the eyes." The exposed skin areas where fur was missing were warm to the touch, with Charlie constantly scratching. Black further noted pinkness and warmth under Charlie’s neck and stomach, with thickened skin especially around the top of the tail and rump.

During her conversation with Dowd regarding Charlie, Black was told that "he had not been taken to the vet for treatment as he was microchipped to another address and they had feared they would lose him." Dowd also mentioned that she had flea treatment delivered monthly, with this month’s treatment arriving that day, but had not yet administered it.

Charlie was subsequently taken to a veterinarian by Black, who confirmed that the dog was suffering from medical issues. He was then placed into RSPCA care, with police taking possession of him.

On April 26, Black visited Charlie again and reported a significant improvement: "He looked a lot better from when I had previously seen him on April 7. His skin was calmer and a normal colour. He appeared more comfortable and wasn’t scratching."

Thanks to the dedicated care of the RSPCA, Charlie’s severe skin condition has significantly improved. The dog has been transformed and is expected to be available for rehoming soon. Black expressed her optimism, saying, "Charlie is just the sweetest collie dog and I just can’t wait for him to get his happy ever after."

In sentencing, Dowd and Shepherd each received a fine of £334 in costs and charges, as well as a 12-month ban on keeping dogs. A deprivation order was also issued for Charlie.

This case was reported by Wales News Online.