CONVICTED (2022) | Christopher Peter O’Flaherty, born c. 1981, of Oliphant Circle, Malpas, Newport NP20 – neglected his pet dog so badly she went blind. Princess was mistreated by her owner. O’Flaherty was given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty causing unnecessary suffering to British bulldog, Princess. He failed to treat a skin disease which severely affected the dog’s head, ears and eyes. RSPCA deputy chief inspector Emma Smith said the dog was handed into one of their centres. Princess was initially thought to be a stray and was immediately taken to a vet due to her poor body condition. She was then taken into the care of Newport council and given immediate treatment. Inspector Smith described her as being found “in a dire situation”. She said: “At the vets a clinical examination found multiple abnormalities, most notably severe skin disease of the head, eyes and ears. “The vets found that Princess only weighed 16.2kg (35.7lb) and she looked thin. “She also had soft tissue swelling in her eyes, which was causing her to be functionally blind.” Following an investigation by the RSPCA it was discovered that O’Flaherty was the owner of Princess. Looking at vet records the animal welfare charity found she had not received any treatment for her condition. Princess responded well in local authority care and was taken to a foster home specialising in the breed. Inspector Smith added: “Princess was clearly neglected by her owner and should have just been given veterinary treatment as soon as he had spotted her health issues. “Instead she was left to unnecessarily suffer. “We are so pleased she was able to get the treatment she so desperately needed and we would like to thank the local authority for helping give Princess a second chance of happiness.” Sentencing: jailed for six weeks, suspended for 12 months; £272 costs and charges. Two-year ban on keeping dogs (expired February 2024). South Wales Argus Wales 247