ROBERT JENKINS OF CLUNDERWEN SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT INVOLVING BASSSET HOUNDS DONUT AND FUDGE

In a case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare advocates, Robert Jenkins, a resident of Maes-y-Bryn, Llandysilio, Clunderwen, was found guilty of severe neglect towards his two Basset Hounds, Donut and Fudge. The incident, which came to light in October 2016, revealed the distressing condition of the dogs, who were discovered in a state of extreme emaciation at Jenkins' property in Clunderwen.

Jenkins, born in 1984, faced charges under the Animal Welfare Act and appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on January 16, 2017. During the proceedings, he pleaded guilty to the offences, which resulted in a comprehensive ban on him owning or keeping any animals for a period of five years. This ban, which cannot be appealed, was enforced immediately and is set to expire in January 2022.

The case was brought to public attention after an inspection by RSPCA Cymru, which responded to reports that the two dogs had been left outside Jenkins' property overnight without adequate shelter. The inspection team, led by inspector Keith Hogben, found Donut and Fudge in a critically poor condition, with both animals suffering from significant weight loss and poor overall health. Hogben described the dogs’ condition as a result of “serious neglect,” emphasizing that they had endured a “very tough time.”

According to Hogben, the veterinary assessments confirmed that the dogs had suffered unnecessarily due to their owner’s failure to provide proper care. The dogs, who had been severely underweight, responded positively to proper nutrition and care, gaining a substantial amount of weight in a short period. This rapid improvement underscored the severity of the neglect they had previously endured and highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Hogben further explained that the diet provided to Donut and Fudge was entirely inappropriate for their needs, contributing to their poor body condition. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal responsibilities pet owners have and the serious consequences of neglecting those duties. The RSPCA has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable animals like Donut and Fudge from similar situations in the future.

In addition to the five-year ban, Jenkins was ordered to pay a total of £631 in fines, costs, and charges related to the case. The case has garnered attention from local media outlets, including the Western Telegraph, highlighting the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA to enforce them.