KANE WATSON'S CRUELTY IN PEMBROKE DOCK: DOGS LEFT IN FILTH AND NEGLECT

Kane Watson, a backyard breeder from Pembroke Dock, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect involving four dogs kept in deplorable conditions. The incident came to light after a welfare check was initiated at his previous residence on Wavell Crescent, following concerns raised by the local dog warden and the intervention of the RSPCA.

On January 24, 2024, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben responded to the call and visited Watson’s property at The Terrace, The Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, with the aim of assessing the welfare of the animals. Upon entering the premises, Inspector Hogben was immediately struck by the overwhelming stench of dog feces and urine, which caused him to cough repeatedly. The environment was visibly filthy, with household rubbish scattered across the floor and excrement and urine covering the surfaces.

At the rear of the property, the inspector observed a bulldog and a lurcher-type dog behind a stair gate. Both appeared alert and active, suggesting they were in relatively better condition compared to the others. However, further investigation revealed more distressing conditions. In a cage, a chow-type dog was found in a poor state—its coat matted and contaminated with feces, and it was lying at the bottom of the cage without access to water. The dog’s condition was alarming, and it emitted a foul smell. Nearby, a bulldog-type dog was also confined in a cage; it was slightly underweight but alert and active, although it lacked water and bedding, with only dry dog food present.

Further inspection uncovered two additional dogs. One was a bulldog-type with cherry eye in the left eye; this dog was overweight, alert, and active. The other was a lurcher-type, also alert and in good condition, showing no obvious health issues. Despite the presence of these animals, the overall environment was deemed highly unsuitable for their well-being. Inspector Hogben described the living conditions as extremely poor, characterized by a dirty, wet environment with household rubbish strewn about and dog feces and urine on the floor.

It was revealed that Watson, who has a criminal record including an assault conviction against a woman, was relying on his former partner to care for the dogs, claiming they were 'jointly owned.' The veterinary examination confirmed that the male chow-type dog and a female bulldog-type dog were suffering from neglect and poor health. The other two dogs were also at risk of suffering if returned to the property.

In an effort to address the immediate health concerns, the male chow-type dog was clipped and bathed, but unfortunately, his condition worsened. The veterinarian made the difficult decision to euthanize the dog to prevent further suffering. The remaining dogs were seized by police and subsequently rehomed to safe environments.

In court, Watson was sentenced to a 32-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work within the following year, pay a surcharge of £187, and cover £750 in costs. Additionally, Watson was disqualified from owning or caring for animals for ten years, a ban that will last until November 2034.