TRACY ROBERTS FROM CONNAH'S QUAY FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER PET'S NEGLECT IN DEESIDE

Tracy Roberts, a resident of The Highcroft in Connah's Quay, Deeside, was found guilty in 2016 of neglecting her pet dog, an incident that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities. Born on October 19, 1962, Roberts was accused of failing to seek veterinary care for her nine-year-old bull terrier, Marshall, who was left suffering from a severe skin condition.

Marshall had been left in Roberts' care after being handed over by a former partner. The dog was known to be aggressive and difficult to handle, which complicated efforts to provide him with the necessary treatment. The court heard that the dog required ongoing, possibly lifelong, medical attention due to his skin issues, yet no action was taken to address his condition.

Glen Murphy, representing the RSPCA, explained that the charity had been contacted by Roberts’ son, who requested assistance in rehoming the dog because the family could not afford the veterinary expenses. An RSPCA inspector visited Roberts’ home and observed that Marshall appeared to be in normal physical health, but exhibited an obvious and severe skin ailment. The inspector noted that the dog was so aggressive at the veterinary clinic that he had to be transferred to an animal care centre for treatment.

At the centre, Marshall was diagnosed with an acute skin condition and dry eyes. It was revealed that the dog had been suffering from these issues for at least three months, and possibly longer, yet no veterinary visits had been made during this period. The RSPCA had previously provided advice on how to care for Marshall and had issued two vouchers worth £30 each to cover medication costs, but these had apparently not been utilized.

During the court proceedings, probation officer Andrew Connah stated that Roberts accepted full responsibility for her neglect and expressed genuine remorse for the situation. Connah also mentioned that Roberts had experienced a difficult period over several years, during which her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend moved into her home. Roberts eventually moved out due to the chaotic lifestyle of her visitors.

As part of her sentence, Roberts was given a 12-month community order, which included 60 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £60 surcharge. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any animals for six years, although this ban expired in April 2022.