KENNETH THOMAS AND DENISE WARNER FROM MOUNTAIN ASH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN PERTHCELYN

Kenneth George Thomas, born on April 20, 1964, and Denise Kimberley Warner, born on June 21, 1973, both residents of 2 Hazel Terrace, Perthcelyn, Mountain Ash CF45 3HJ, faced serious allegations of animal cruelty that culminated in their conviction in 2022. The charges stemmed from their gross neglect of two dogs, Sheba and Vinnie, who were discovered in a dire state of starvation and suffering within the confines of their own backyard.

On December 8, 2021, RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper responded to a distress call and arrived at Hazel Terrace. Upon her arrival, she observed the two dogs in the rear garden, both in a severely neglected condition. The animals had no shelter to protect them from the elements and were visibly shivering from the cold. The inspector noted that the dogs appeared emaciated, with their ribs and vertebrae prominently visible through their skin, indicating a prolonged period of malnutrition.

During her visit, Inspector Cooper engaged with the defendants, who acknowledged the dogs' poor condition. She explained the urgent need for veterinary attention and requested that ownership of Sheba be transferred to the RSPCA to facilitate her treatment. Kenneth Thomas agreed to this transfer, but Denise Warner refused to permit the movement of Vinnie, complicating efforts to provide immediate care.

As Inspector Cooper moved to the rear of the garden, she observed Sheba still outside, hunched and weak, despite Vinnie being allowed inside the house to escape the cold. She described Sheba as having little muscle mass over her hindquarters and being in a state of extreme weakness. When she attempted to lead Sheba to the vehicle, the dog refused to walk. The inspector then gently lifted Sheba into her van, where she was immediately observed to be shivering. To help her, a hot water bottle was placed in the vehicle, and Sheba curled up around it, seeking warmth.

Sheba was transported to a veterinary clinic, where a thorough examination revealed that she was suffering from starvation. The vet confirmed that her stomach was empty, and her body lacked muscle mass, indicative of severe neglect. Subsequently, Inspector Cooper returned to Hazel Terrace with police officers, who seized Vinnie for veterinary assessment. The veterinary surgeon reported that Vinnie was also significantly underweight but had slightly more muscle than Sheba. Additionally, Vinnie was diagnosed with a skin condition likely caused by parasites.

Both dogs were taken to the RSPCA’s facility in Merthyr Tydfil for treatment. They received parasite medication and care aimed at restoring their health. The ownership of Vinnie was officially transferred to the RSPCA, which plans to rehome him once he recovers. Sheba, having shown signs of improvement, was successfully rehomed to a new family.

In court, both Kenneth Thomas and Denise Warner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to their dogs. They were each ordered to pay fines totaling £634 and received a five-year ban on keeping dogs, which will expire in April 2027. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the basic needs of pets in the Mountain Ash area.