MARC JONES AND NEIL DAVIES OF ST MELLONS FACE JUSTICE FOR CRUELTY TO PET DOG ROCKY IN CARDIFF

In a case that has shocked the local community of St Mellons, Cardiff, both Marc Jones, born around 1978, and his son Neil Davies, also known as Neil Ieuan Davies, born on 26 April 1998, have been held accountable for their neglect and mistreatment of their pet dog, Rocky. The incident, which drew the attention of animal welfare authorities, highlights the serious consequences of animal cruelty and neglect in the area.

Marc Jones and Neil Davies, residents of Ferntree Drive in St Mellons, were found guilty of failing to provide proper care for Rocky, a male red Staffordshire terrier. The RSPCA intervened after reports of the dog's poor condition, leading to Rocky being seized and taken into their custody. Upon examination by a veterinarian, Rocky was discovered to be in a dire state. The dog was severely underweight, suffering from a significant ear infection, and had become blind due to cataracts. Tests confirmed that Rocky was also anaemic, indicating a prolonged period of neglect and inadequate nutrition.

The veterinarian's assessment revealed that Rocky had been subjected to at least two weeks of starvation, during which he was not provided with appropriate or sufficient food. The neglect extended beyond nutritional issues, as Rocky's untreated ear infection caused him considerable pain and discomfort. The veterinarian emphasized that the owners' failure to seek medical treatment for Rocky's ear condition had worsened his suffering, making his overall health and well-being a matter of serious concern.

Inspector Christine McNeil of the RSPCA described her initial encounter with Rocky, stating, “When I first saw Rocky, he was in very poor condition. Although he was very friendly and affectionate, it was clear he wasn’t being looked after properly. The vet reported that he was very underweight, blind from cataracts and had awful ear problems. He also seemed very hungry; he tried to get into a plastic food bin, and when he was given food, he really wolfed it down.”

Following the rescue, Rocky received immediate veterinary care, which included treatment for his ear infection and flea infestations. He was placed on a gentle, easily digestible diet to help him regain weight and strength. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the RSPCA, Rocky has now been rehabilitated and rehomed with a caring family, having reached a healthy weight and showing signs of recovery.

Inspector McNeil expressed her concern over the neglect, stating, “The neglect suffered by Rocky could have been easily avoided but he was simply left to suffer without the care he needed and deserved. We encourage people who can no longer cope with caring for their pets to contact us for help and advice to avoid unnecessary distress and suffering being caused.”

In the courtroom, both Marc Jones and Neil Davies faced sentencing for their actions. Marc Jones was ordered to pay costs amounting to £185, and he received a 12-month community order that included 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, he was placed under a three-month curfew and disqualified from keeping animals for three years, a ban set to expire in April 2024. Neil Davies received a more substantial penalty, with fines, costs, and charges totaling £330. He was also subjected to a 12-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activity. His disqualification from keeping animals was extended to five years, expiring in April 2026.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for vigilance against animal cruelty in communities like St Mellons. The RSPCA continues to advocate for animal welfare and urges pet owners to seek help if they are unable to care for their animals properly, emphasizing that neglect can lead to severe suffering and legal consequences.