RICHARD DAVIES OF LLANDUDNO CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO ANIMAL NEAR RHYL

Richard Thomas Davies, born on December 15, 1984, and residing at Cae Clyd in Llandudno, was found guilty of a disturbing act of animal cruelty that took place near an adventure playground in Rhyl. The incident involved Davies intentionally causing suffering to a helpless kitten, an act that has shocked the local community and drawn significant legal attention.

According to court reports, Davies was observed flinging the tiny feline around by its tail before forcefully hurling it into a pond. Witnesses described the scene as both violent and callous, with the kitten struggling desperately in the water. A young girl, who was present at the scene, saw the distressed animal and immediately took action by removing her coat and jumping into the pond in an attempt to rescue the drowning kitten.

Prosecutor James Neary recounted that during this distressing episode, Davies grabbed the girl by both arms, laughing as he uttered the chilling words, “you will not have a kitten ever again.” The girl and other children managed to pull the kitten from the water, but despite their efforts, the animal did not survive. The court heard that the kitten had been promised to a young girl who had already chosen a name for her, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking. When police examined the scene, the young girl was visibly upset, mourning the loss of her pet.

During the court proceedings, Davies appeared indifferent, with Mr. Neary noting that he seemed to find the entire situation amusing and displayed a smug expression. The incident left a lasting impact on those involved, especially the young girl who witnessed her pet’s suffering.

Judge Brian Cossey described the act as “very horrific and callous,” expressing his outrage at the cruelty displayed. He stated that Davies probably traumatized a very young and vulnerable person with his actions. While the court initially considered immediate imprisonment, they ultimately decided against it, opting instead for a more rehabilitative approach.

A probation officer testified that Davies felt “sick” about his behavior, especially since he made no effort to save the kitten. It was also revealed that Davies was receiving state benefits at the time. His defense solicitor, Dafydd Roberts, acknowledged the severity of the offense, describing it as “particularly mean,” and explained that Davies was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. Roberts emphasized that Davies has since changed significantly from the man who committed the act in August, indicating remorse and a desire to reform.

The court sentenced Davies to a 12-week jail term suspended for a period, requiring him to undergo alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £50 in compensation to the affected party and cover £735 in court costs. Furthermore, Davies was banned from owning or keeping any animals for five years, a restriction that had already expired in February 2022. The case has left a lasting impression on the community, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for accountability in such tragic incidents.