MICHELLE LEWIS AND MICHAEL SAMPSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN HAVERFORDWEST

Michelle Lewis, born around 1968, and Michael Rowland Sampson, born approximately in 1981, both residents of Coronation Avenue in Haverfordwest, faced serious allegations and subsequent convictions related to the neglect and mistreatment of seven animals, including cats and dogs. The pair was found guilty of jointly causing unnecessary suffering to their pets by failing to maintain a proper and humane living environment.

According to court records, Lewis and Sampson admitted to charges that highlighted their neglectful care, which included neglecting the animals' basic needs. They failed to address critical health issues such as flea infestations and chronic skin conditions, which worsened due to their inaction. The court heard that the conditions within their home were deplorable, with a local veterinarian describing the scene as a ‘death trap’. The vet detailed that the entire house was covered in a thick layer of ‘rotting excrement’, almost obscuring the floor, making it clear that the environment was utterly unsuitable for both animals and humans alike.

An RSPCA inspector who responded to the scene on July 6, 2017, recounted his experience, describing how he was overwhelmed by the overpowering stench of feces and urine. The inspector’s account underscored the severity of the neglect, emphasizing the hazardous and unsanitary conditions that the animals endured.

During the court proceedings, defense attorney Mike Kelleher explained that Lewis had been suffering from depression at the time. He also noted that both Lewis and Sampson, who were unemployed, had faced numerous difficulties in maintaining their household, including issues such as burst pipes and an overflowing toilet. Despite the dire state of the property, Kelleher argued that the couple had made efforts to care for the animals, including feeding and exercising them. He also mentioned that they attempted to treat the dogs’ skin conditions and hair loss by changing their diet and using special shampoos.

He emphasized that the neglect was not a deliberate act of cruelty but rather a consequence of their circumstances and mental health struggles. The court ultimately sentenced the pair to a 12-month conditional discharge, coupled with a requirement to participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, they were ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £315 each. As part of the sentence, both Lewis and Sampson were banned from keeping animals for five years, although this ban expired in January 2023.