HYWEL CLAY FROM FARINGDON CONVICTED OF ANIMAL ABUSE IN OXON

Hywel 'Howie' Clay, a resident of Radnor Court in Faringdon, was found guilty in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, following a disturbing incident involving his pet dog, Roxy. Born on November 14, 1969, Clay’s actions drew significant concern from witnesses and authorities alike.

On November 5, 2016, a couple passing by Tesco in Ocotal Way observed Clay in a state of apparent intoxication as he stumbled along the pavement. They noticed him yanking aggressively on Roxy’s lead, which was attached to her collar. Witnesses reported seeing Clay lift the dog off the ground by her lead, an act that appeared to be both forceful and distressing for the animal. The situation escalated when Clay was seen kicking Roxy, further demonstrating his violent treatment of the dog.

Concerned by the apparent abuse, the witnesses decided to intervene. They stopped their vehicle and approached Clay, leading to a physical struggle. One of the witnesses managed to grab Roxy to relieve her of the pressure around her neck, which was being caused by Clay’s grip. In response, Clay attempted to reclaim the dog, grabbing her around the neck again, prompting a crowd to gather around the scene. The witness who had initially intervened released Roxy and placed his hands on Clay’s shoulders to prevent him from leaving the scene.

At this point, Clay attempted to pull away, throwing himself backwards and falling to the ground. Roxy, distressed and trying to return to her rescuer, was involved in a struggle that drew further attention from bystanders. Security personnel from Tesco eventually restrained Clay, who was visibly struggling and drooling when police arrived. The officers found him in a state of intoxication, and he was verbally abusive during questioning. Clay was also charged with being drunk and disorderly and failing to surrender to authorities at Chippenham magistrates, charges he initially denied.

During the court proceedings, Clay’s defense lawyer, Alex Daymond, acknowledged that Clay disputed the allegations but accepted that the court had reached its verdict. The lawyer also highlighted Clay’s ongoing battle with alcohol addiction, which he had sought help for through his general practitioner. Clay, who had previously worked as a panel beater in a classic car restoration business, had seen his life spiral downward following the death of his brother. He expressed a desire to turn his life around and return to employment.

Clay’s financial situation was also discussed, revealing that he owed nearly £20,000 on his mortgage and was facing repossession. Despite the incident, it was noted that Clay had owned dogs since he was five years old, and prior to the November incident, there had been no indication of animal maltreatment. He was described as a dog lover who was deeply distressed by the accusations. In court, his lawyer emphasized that Clay had even chosen to become a vegetarian out of concern for animal welfare, and that this incident appeared to be an isolated event.

Clay lived alone and relied on Roxy for companionship. His lawyer urged the court to consider the long-standing bond he had with his pets and requested that he not be deprived of his dog. The court ultimately sentenced Clay to a 12-month community order, ordered him to pay £200 in prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge. Additionally, Clay was banned from keeping pets for five years, a ban that expired in April 2022, and a deprivation order was issued for Roxy, removing her from his custody. The case was reported by the Swindon Advertiser.