KATE AND DAVID POWELL CRUELTY CASE IN BLAENAVON: ELDERLY SHIH-TZU SUFFERED UNTIL EUTHANIZED

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the community of Blaenavon, Kate and David Powell faced justice for their neglect of a vulnerable elderly dog named Alfie. Kate Powell, also known as Kate Burgess, born on December 22, 1971, residing on Lower Hill Street, and her ex-husband David Powell, born on April 17, 1967, of James Street, were found guilty in 2022 of causing unnecessary suffering to their 14-year-old Shih Tzu.

Alfie was suffering from severe health issues, including corneal ulceration, skin disease, anal tumours, and multiple skin wounds. The dog was also severely anaemic and unable to move, a condition that had deteriorated over time due to neglect. The couple’s failure to seek proper veterinary care for Alfie led to his suffering becoming unbearable, ultimately resulting in his immediate euthanasia.

The case came to light on September 7, 2021, when RSPCA inspector David Milborrow arrived at James Street in Blaenavon. During his visit, Mrs. Powell informed him that she had heard Alfie was unwell. She disclosed that both Alfie and her other dog, Marley, a brindle Staffordshire bull terrier cross, were living with her ex-husband, and she had not seen the dogs for a year. Inspector Milborrow observed that Marley appeared healthy, but Alfie was lying motionless on a dog bed at the end of the sofa, in a state of severe neglect.

Inspector Milborrow described Alfie’s condition as distressing: “The dog had significant fur loss on his legs, head, and flanks. The fur that he did have was filthy, wet, and matted. The patches of skin visible were red, sore, and had small open, pus-filled wounds. His legs were twitching slightly, but he did not seem able to move or even lift his head.”

Mrs. Powell was advised that Alfie needed urgent veterinary attention. She consented to this, but her emotional state was visibly distressed, as she was “extremely upset and crying uncontrollably.”

Following the examination, the veterinarian confirmed that Alfie’s condition was critical and that nothing could be done to save him. The vet recommended immediate euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Mrs. Powell agreed to this course of action. The vet’s statement highlighted the long-term neglect: “In my opinion, there has been significant neglect over a long period of time, both in overall condition and care of the dog, but also disregard for more serious illness which needed urgent attention.”

After Alfie’s death, Marley was taken into RSPCA care and was subsequently rehomed. Both Kate and David Powell admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Alfie between July 6 and September 8, 2021.

In the subsequent legal proceedings, Kate Powell was sentenced in March 2022 to pay a total of £800 and was banned from keeping dogs for five years, a ban set to expire in April 2027. David Powell received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 90 hours of unpaid work and a financial penalty of £378. He was also issued a seven-year ban on keeping dogs, which will expire in April 2029.

This case has drawn significant attention in Blaenavon and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable pets.