GAVIN HUW TOWELLS OF ABERDARE RECEIVES 10-YEAR BAN AND PRISON SENTENCE FOR CRUELTY TO RABBITS IN CWMABACH

Gavin Huw Towells, born on 31 May 1980 and residing at Cae Coed, Cwmbach, Aberdare CF44 0BF, was convicted in 2019 for a serious animal cruelty offence. He was caught on CCTV intentionally throwing two domestic rabbits into the bushes of a layby and then driving away, abandoning the cages behind.

The footage showed Towells getting out of his car on Abercynon Road, Abercynon, where he retrieved a small rabbit cage from his boot and placed it on the ground near heavy undergrowth. He then opened the hutch, lifted a female Dutch rabbit by her ears, and hurled her into the grass verge. He repeated the act with a second rabbit, a female English lop-eared, also by her ears, before driving off, leaving the cage behind.

A witness observed the incident and managed to confine the rabbits, who were then taken to the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic. The rabbits were examined for injuries, given pain relief for redness caused by Towells’ handling, and were found to have sustained harm from the manner of their being thrown.

In an interview, Towells claimed he was taught how to handle rabbits without kicking them, by a pet store. However, RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper condemned his actions, describing them as "absolutely disgusting," and emphasizing that the rabbits "somersaulted many times before landing," causing unnecessary suffering and stress.

The court heard that Towells was responsible for three offences: causing unnecessary suffering to the rabbits by throwing them, abandoning them after doing so, and failing to provide a suitable living environment by leaving the cage behind. For the fly-tipping offence—leaving the cage at the scene—he was fined £500.

The RSPCA explained that domestic rabbits lack the instincts of wild rabbits and are vulnerable to predators if abandoned. Thanks to the quick actions of a vigilant witness, the rabbits were saved from potential harm and have since been successfully rehomed together.

Dr. Jane Tyson, scientific officer for the RSPCA’s Companion Animals department, added, "Rabbits should never be picked up by their ears. Handling them in this manner is stressful and can cause injury, including fractures to their fragile spines. When handling rabbits, it’s important to support their body fully with one hand, especially their back and hindquarters."

Towells was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for the animal welfare offences, with total costs and charges amounting to £515. Additionally, he was banned from keeping animals for 10 years, a ban which will expire in February 2029.