YNYSYBWL MAN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS FOR 10 YEARS
A man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.Jamie Selby, of Robert Street, Ynysybwl, near Pontypridd, was prosecuted by the RSPCA and sentenced at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on October 22 after he failed to seek veterinary treatment for his crossbreed dog, Marley.
The court heard that Marley suffered from untreated health issues, including hair loss, warty lumps, and a hernia that ultimately led to his death.
RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels said: "The defendant had ample time to take Marley to see a vet, but failed to engage with us and also refused the offer of vet vouchers.
"The hernia was not present on our earlier visit, but the owner was advised about the dog's skin condition and why he needed to take action.
"Whether the hernia would have developed anyway we don't know but this poor dog suffered for a lengthy period when that need not have been the case." The RSPCA began investigating after receiving reports that a dog was being kept in a crate for extended periods.
When Inspector Daniels visited Selby’s property on September 15 last year, she found four dogs in three crates, including Marley.
Despite being offered a voucher to cover veterinary costs and receiving advice about Marley’s health, Selby did not follow through.
Two months later, Selby refused entry to the inspector.
On April 1, Inspector Daniels returned with Inspector Emma Smith and a police officer, and Marley was seized under warrant.
He was found to be suffering from a perineal hernia that was blocking his bowel.
Due to the severity of his condition, Marley was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
Selby pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
In court, it was noted that Selby had undergone a mental health assessment and was described as having provided 'incompetent care.' In addition to the 10-year animal ban, he was handed a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, placed under a nine-month mental health treatment order, and told to pay £400 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
