PONTARDAWE MAN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS FOR TEN YEARS
A man has been prohibited from owning animals for a decade.Matthew Edward Perry, residing at Parc Gilbertson in Pontardawe, received this ban after he brought the emaciated corpse of a 13-year-old Dalmatian named Pepper to a veterinary clinic for cremation.
The dog's deteriorated condition raised immediate concerns.
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper commented: "We would like to thank the veterinary staff for their support during what was undoubtedly a distressing situation.
Every animal deserves to be treated with compassion and to have their needs fulfilled." During a hearing at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 3, Perry admitted to a single violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
The court was informed that he failed to meet Pepper’s basic needs, including safeguarding her from pain, suffering, injury, or illness.
He did not investigate or treat her for her severely underweight state or the burst abscess on her jaw.
The veterinarian described Pepper as being in a state of extreme thinness, with ribs, spine, and hips clearly visible, and evidence of muscle deterioration.
She was assigned a body condition score of one out of nine.
The vet stated: “At this body condition, she would have experienced muscle loss, weakness, and discomfort, which would have hindered her natural behaviors.
She also had a wound on her left upper jaw that appeared to be an untreated burst abscess.
Such an abscess typically causes throbbing pain and tenderness due to pus buildup, making it quite painful.” It was revealed that Pepper had not been seen by a vet since 2018, and it was estimated she had been suffering for at least three weeks prior to her death.
Perry was given a three-month jail sentence, suspended for one year.
Additionally, he received a one-year community order with 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and was ordered to pay £400 in costs.
