MARIA AND ANDREW LOUDEN FROM SKETTY FACING JUSTICE FOR HORRIFIC DOG CRUELTY IN SWANSEA

Maria Elaine Louden, born on July 17, 1964, and her husband Andrew Neilson Louden, born on June 26, 1963, who previously resided in Plymouth but are now living at 23 Clyne Court, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8JD, have been found guilty of severe animal neglect involving their two retired greyhounds. The case highlights a disturbing episode of cruelty that has shocked animal welfare advocates and the local community alike.

According to court records, the Louden couple nearly starved their two greyhounds, Tottie and Pebbles, to death while neglecting their basic health needs. The animals were discovered in a deplorable state, flea-infested and suffering from painful sores that went untreated for an extended period. The neglect was so severe that the dogs were emaciated, with Tottie, a former racing champion known as Bubbly Totti, being found in a critically malnourished condition, covered in fleas, and with open sores on her hindquarters.

The incident took place between September 20 and October 4, 2011, during which the Loudens failed to provide adequate food or veterinary care for their pets. They admitted to the court that they neglected to treat the fleas and sores, thereby allowing the animals to endure unnecessary pain and suffering. The court heard that the dogs were on the brink of death when finally taken for medical treatment.

At the hearing, magistrate Dennis Gavin described the dogs’ condition as ‘malnourished, underweight, and flea-ridden,’ emphasizing the severity of the neglect. He stated, ‘Had it not been for your medical conditions, you would be going to prison today,’ indicating that the couple’s health issues played a role in their sentencing.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Sarah Morris expressed her profound disappointment, describing it as the worst case of dog cruelty she had encountered in her 12 years of service. She praised the court’s decision to impose a lifetime ban on the Loudens from keeping animals, calling it a ‘brilliant result’ given the tragic state of the dogs. Inspector Morris added that the case would leave a lasting impression on her.

Legal representatives for the Loudens, including Julian Jefferson, explained that both individuals were disabled and reliant on benefits, which had been suddenly seized, making it difficult for them to provide proper care for the dogs. Despite these circumstances, the court found that the neglect was severe enough to warrant significant penalties.

Prosecutor Andrew Wyatt detailed that Tottie, who had previously won the prestigious St Leger greyhound race at Wimbledon Stadium and was once sold for £50,000, was taken to a PDSA animal hospital on October 4, 2011. Veterinarians confirmed her emaciated state, flea infestation, and untreated sores. Pebbles was also examined and found to be in a similarly dire condition, nearing death.

Fortunately, both greyhounds made full recoveries after receiving veterinary treatment and were subsequently rehomed. The court sentenced the Loudens to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with a four-month curfew and a fine of £200 each to cover costs. Most notably, they were handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals.

In a subsequent development reported in May 2017 by Wales Online, it was revealed that the Loudens had been fined a total of £520 after breaching their animal keeping ban. RSPCA inspectors, acting on a tip-off, discovered a guinea pig and two hamsters in their home at Clyne Court, Sketty, further demonstrating ongoing issues with animal welfare despite the previous convictions.