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TERRY AND MELENIE BOX FROM TREBOETH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG WITH TUMOUR
Terry and Melenie Box, residents of Treboeth, faced serious legal consequences after their failure to provide necessary veterinary care for their aging dog, Tilly-May. The couple, living at Hilltop, Brynawel Crescent, Swansea SA5 9DN, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to their 13-year-old Jack Russell-type dog by neglecting her urgent medical needs.According to court records and statements from the RSPCA, the couple neglected to seek veterinary treatment for Tilly-May, who was suffering from a large, ulcerated tumour and significant weight loss. The neglect was brought to light when the dog’s body was taken to a veterinarian for cremation, revealing the extent of her suffering. Tilly-May had died at home, and her emaciated condition was evident upon examination. The RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper described the dog’s condition as heartbreaking, noting that she had never been seen by a veterinarian during her entire life.
In her statement to the court, Inspector Cooper explained that Tilly-May had not received any vaccinations or preventative veterinary care since she was a puppy. She emphasized that no veterinary advice or treatment had been sought over the course of her 13 years, despite the development of a large mass. The inspector highlighted that veterinary professionals often recommend spaying female dogs to prevent diseases such as mammary gland tumours, yet no such measures were taken in Tilly-May’s case.
Further examination by a veterinarian, who examined the dog’s remains, revealed a significant mass associated with one of her mammary glands. The veterinarian described the tumour as spanning the entire length and width of her abdomen, extending down to her paws. The mass showed signs of ulceration and necrosis, likely causing her pain, especially as it came into contact with the ground when she attempted to walk. The veterinarian also noted that Tilly-May’s body condition score was just one out of nine, indicating extreme emaciation. This poor condition could have been caused by the tumour’s size and possible spread or other underlying chronic health issues that could not be detected after her death.
Additional findings included severely overgrown nails, some curling into her paw pads, which would have been painful and indicative of her inability to walk properly. Her dental health was also poor, with heavy calculus buildup and gum recession, particularly over her upper canines. The veterinarian suggested that her discomfort from dental disease might have contributed to her reluctance to eat, further exacerbating her poor health.
In the veterinarian’s professional opinion, Tilly-May had been suffering for a considerable period before her death. However, due to her passing and the lack of owner-provided history, it was impossible to determine exactly how long she had been in this condition.
Following the sentencing, Inspector Gemma Cooper expressed her sorrow over the case, stating, “Tilly-May had the biggest tumour that I or my colleagues had ever seen. It is so very sad that they left their beloved pet to get to this stage. It is so important to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest opportunity.”
In court, both Terry and Melenie Box received suspended prison sentences of 12 weeks, which could be activated if they reoffend within the next year. They were also subjected to a 16-week curfew, rehabilitation requirements, and ordered to pay costs and victim surcharges. Additionally, they are permanently banned from owning or caring for any animals for life, with a five-year period before they can apply to have the ban lifted. Melenie Box’s sentence included a mental health treatment requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work, reflecting the court’s recognition of her need for support in addressing her actions.