NICHOLAS LOW FROM LLANDEGLA SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN WREXHAM

Nicholas John Low, born around 1952, a man with a disturbing history of animal cruelty, has been convicted of multiple offences related to the neglect and abuse of animals in the area of Llandegla, Wrexham. The case revealed a shocking pattern of neglect, with Low leaving puppies to die from starvation inside a dilapidated caravan situated in a remote forested area, while other animals suffered in deplorable conditions.

Low, who has previously been convicted twice for similar offences, was found guilty after a trial of five charges under the Animal Welfare Act. These charges included causing unnecessary suffering to several animals, specifically dogs, cats, and a goose. The court heard that he had failed to provide adequate care for 11 dogs and puppies, despite a lifetime disqualification order issued against him in May 2007, which he was found to have breached.

The investigation uncovered a scene of utter neglect. Among the animals discovered were an emaciated yellow Labrador and two puppies that had already died. The scene also included several cats, all appearing unkempt with dirty coats; one of the cats was found to have a large polyp affecting its ear. A post-mortem examination on the deceased puppies revealed they were in poor physical condition and had likely starved to death. The vet confirmed that the puppies were estimated to be between eight and ten weeks old, all small and thin, with one weighing just 16.1kg and exhibiting a body condition score of one out of nine, indicating extreme emaciation.

In addition to the deceased puppies, six others were examined, all of similar age and in poor health, with signs of malnutrition. The investigation was further detailed by RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies, who provided a statement describing the conditions at the scene. She recounted that the animals were kept in a forest clearing littered with rubbish, recycled plastics, tins, bike wheels, plastic bags, and general waste. She observed a very thin yellow Labrador-type dog and a white, long-haired German Shepherd-type dog tethered to a trailer, with no proper shelter. The inspector noted the dog’s ribs and hips were clearly visible, and her teats were enlarged, indicating poor health.

Inside a nearby caravan, eight small black and chocolate Labrador cross puppies were found in an extremely unsanitary environment. The inspector noted the absence of food and water bowls inside the caravan, and the environment was described as filthy. When inspector Davies initially spoke with Low, he was uncooperative and refused assistance, despite her advice to seek veterinary care and improve the animals’ living conditions. She later returned with animal rescue officer Melanie Froude, but Low again refused to allow the animals to be taken for treatment, leading to the issuance of an Animal Welfare assessment warning notice.

Further investigations revealed that Low had been disqualified from keeping any animals for life. The authorities, including North Wales Police, re-attended the property, which was described as having similar conditions but wetter and colder. The German Shepherd was no longer tethered, and the puppies were seen roaming freely in the forest clearing, some huddled around a fire bin outside the caravan. The animals appeared cold, thin, and in poor condition, with rainwater filling the previously empty bowls.

In total, 13 animals, including the two deceased puppies, were rescued and taken into the care of the RSPCA. Since their rescue, the animals have been placed in foster homes and are recovering well. The case concluded with Low being sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, fined £154 as a victim surcharge, and handed a lifetime ban from keeping animals. The animals will now be available for adoption, offering them a chance at a better life after enduring such neglect.