CORTEZ BELLE FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG TINKERBELL IN ORB DRIVE

Cortez Marvin Belle, born on August 27, 1983, and residing on Orb Drive in Newport with the postal code NP19 0RE, was convicted of severe animal neglect that resulted in the permanent deafness of his pet dog, Tinkerbell. Belle, who previously played professional football but now works as a part-time youth football coach, faced justice after neglecting the three-year-old French bulldog for an extended period, leading to tragic consequences.

The case came to light when the RSPCA received concerns about Tinkerbell’s welfare. On August 11, 2021, animal rescue officer Isobel Burston visited Belle’s home in Newport. Upon entering the property, she was immediately struck by a foul smell reminiscent of rotting flesh. Her inspection revealed a tennis ball-sized growth protruding from Tinkerbell’s left ear, which was tangled with debris and hair, and appeared to be infected. The officer described the growth as wet, with open sore patches and a yellowish appearance underneath, indicating a severe and untreated condition.

During her testimony, Officer Burston explained that she had previously encountered similar growths and suspected the source of the smell was the infected mass. Belle admitted to the officer that he had taken Tinkerbell to a veterinarian approximately six to eight weeks earlier. However, he was told that her condition required costly surgery, which he claimed he could not afford. Belle also revealed that his ex-partner had canceled the dog’s insurance following their breakup, leaving him unable to cover the necessary treatment.

Later that same day, Tinkerbell was taken to a veterinary clinic by the RSPCA for urgent examination. The vet’s assessment painted a grim picture: the dog was in poor physical condition, with visible ribs and a tucked-in waist, indicating malnutrition and neglect. The veterinarian described the growths as polyp-like, having invaded both of her ear canals, which likely rendered her almost deaf. The growth on the left ear was attached via a stalk to a large, infected mass measuring approximately 20 by 20 centimeters. This mass was ulcerated, heavily infected, and weighed down her head, causing a noticeable tilt. The vet estimated that these growths had taken between three to six months to reach their current size, with the severe mass possibly developing over a year.

Further investigation by RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper on August 16 revealed that Belle had been aware of ongoing ear issues with Tinkerbell for over two years. During her interview, Belle admitted to having treated her with antibiotics and steroids prescribed by a vet, especially during her pregnancies when she had given birth to two litters of puppies. He also disclosed that his insurance policy would not cover the estimated £6,000 cost of surgery for her ears.

In court, Belle pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Tinkerbell. The RSPCA highlighted that Belle’s mental health struggles might have contributed to his neglect, and he expressed remorse, taking responsibility for his actions without blaming others. Despite this, the magistrates in Newport deemed the case of prolonged neglect to be sufficiently serious to warrant a custodial sentence. Belle was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, fined £548 in costs and charges, and was banned from keeping all animals for life.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Cooper commented on the case, emphasizing the court’s recognition of the severity of Tinkerbell’s suffering. She noted that Belle had numerous opportunities to seek veterinary help or assistance from animal charities across South Wales but failed to do so. Her neglect resulted in months of suffering for Tinkerbell, who is now permanently deaf due to the untreated condition. Tinkerbell was cared for at an RSPCA animal center for several months, but her health continued to decline, and she was ultimately euthanized on veterinary advice. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who cannot speak for themselves.