GRAHAM THOMAS OF TREDEGAR HORRIFIES COMMUNITY BY HANGING BORDER COLLIE PRINCE FROM TREE

Graham Thomas, a resident of Tredegar, was found guilty of inflicting unnecessary suffering on a Welsh border collie named Prince through a brutal act of cruelty in August 2017. The incident took place in the vicinity of a farm in Rhymney, where witnesses observed Thomas hanging the dog from a tree using a rope. The case drew significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the cruelty involved.

According to reports, three witnesses contacted the RSPCA after witnessing the distressing scene. They recounted seeing Thomas shouting and swearing at Prince shortly before the tragic event unfolded. The witnesses described how Thomas allegedly hung the dog from a tree, claiming that Prince had run up the tree with a 20-foot piece of rope around his neck, which then became twisted around the branches. Thomas later told the court that the death was accidental, asserting that by the time he reached the tree, the dog had already died. However, the witnesses' accounts painted a different picture, indicating deliberate cruelty.

Following the incident, Thomas reportedly removed Prince's body and burned it, an act that further distressed those who had witnessed the event. RSPCA inspector Emma Smith expressed her horror at the case, emphasizing the cruelty involved. She stated, “This is such an unusual and disturbing case where a sheepdog was killed by his owner allegedly because he wouldn’t round up his sheep properly. Prince would have suffered immensely which resulted sadly in his death. This deliberate cruelty is just so horrific to fathom.”

Inspector Smith also highlighted the emotional toll on witnesses, noting that they found it extremely distressing to see the aftermath and to report the incident. The RSPCA praised the witnesses for their bravery and cooperation during the investigation.

Graham Thomas was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody, with additional costs and charges totaling £865. Furthermore, he received a lifetime ban from keeping dogs and sheep, reflecting the severity of his actions and the court’s stance against animal cruelty in Wales. The case has sparked outrage within the local community and beyond, underscoring the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of such heinous acts.