ALYSHIA TAYLOR ABANDONS DOGS IN ROGERSTONE: HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE IN NEWPORT

Alyshia Diana Taylor, born around 1999 and residing on Keene Avenue in Rogerstone, Newport, has been convicted of severe animal neglect and abandonment. The court heard how Taylor was responsible for the welfare of two dogs and a puppy, all of which suffered from neglect leading to tragic consequences. Taylor pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act, with two counts related to her failure to provide adequate nutrition for her dogs, Dior and Storm, and a third concerning the environment she created for a Chow Chow puppy named Chase.

The case came to light after the RSPCA was alerted on January 30, 2023, following a police call regarding two dogs that had been removed from Taylor’s property in Cromwell Road, Newport. The animals were taken to a veterinarian for examination and treatment. During the investigation, authorities discovered the body of a deceased dog at the scene, which was later identified as Dior. The post-mortem examination revealed that Dior had ingested wood particles, which she had eaten out of desperation for food, and was found to be severely emaciated. Her body was discovered in a wooden kennel located in the back corner of an outdoor enclosure, which was littered with dog faeces and debris.

Storm, the other surviving dog, was found in a similarly neglected state. She was underweight but still alive when rescued, though her condition was dire. The third animal, Chase, a Chow Chow puppy, was also found in poor health, with inadequate diet and access to clean, fresh water. Despite efforts to care for Storm, she was later euthanized due to a debilitating health condition that could not be treated.

Inspector Sophie Daniels of the RSPCA provided a detailed account of the scene and the animals’ conditions. She described the property as cluttered, with toys and belongings strewn across the floor, and a strong smell of dog. Inside the back room, she observed an empty box of Bakers dog food and an unopened sack of dry dog food. The kitchen was filthy, covered in dog faeces, especially concentrated near the back patio doors. A plastic dog bed contained a dirty blanket, and takeaway containers with residual water were scattered around.

In the outdoor enclosure, the conditions were equally appalling. Piles of dog faeces, an overturned bucket, and two dirty dog bowls with brownish-yellow liquid highlighted the neglect. Dior’s body was found in an open-fronted wooden kennel, lying on dirty bedding with ribs visible and dark, bloody fluid emanating from her mouth and nose. Large maggots, some over a centimeter long, fell from her body as it was removed. The post-mortem report confirmed Dior was emaciated, with severe muscle and fat loss, and had died from necrosis of multiple areas of her heart, likely due to prolonged starvation.

The veterinarian’s statement indicated that Dior’s condition was the result of at least two to three weeks of starvation, with her body at the lowest end of the health scale. The report also noted bruises on her neck and the presence of wood particles in her digestive system, further evidence of her suffering. The veterinarian concluded that Dior had been allowed to endure unnecessary hunger and neglect for an extended period.

In sentencing, the magistrates acknowledged the potential for rehabilitation but imposed a suspended custodial sentence of 36 weeks, along with 10 days of rehabilitation and a fine of £975. Taylor was also disqualified from owning any animals for ten years. Sadly, Storm, who had been in Taylor’s care, was later euthanized due to her health issues. Chase was rehomed through the RSPCA, offering her a chance at a better life.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty and neglect in the Newport area, with authorities emphasizing the importance of vigilance and intervention to prevent such suffering in the future.