DYLON EDWARDS FROM LLANRWST SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO CAT AT ROYAL OAK HOTEL IN BETWS Y COED

Dylan Edwards, born on February 4, 1967, and residing at Plas Helyg in Llanrwst, has been convicted of a brutal act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and garnered widespread media attention across North Wales. The incident involved the tragic death of a domesticated cat, which was deliberately bludgeoned to death at the Royal Oak Hotel located in Betws y Coed.

Edwards, who previously held the position of Head Chef and Catering Manager at the hotel, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal. The case drew significant public outrage after the incident, which took place on December 2, 2016, in the hotel's kitchen. Witnesses and community members expressed their horror at the cruelty inflicted upon the defenseless creature, leading to a highly emotional and contentious court process.

The investigation into the case was notably complex, primarily because there was no body or direct witnesses to the actual act. Despite these challenges, the RSPCA Cymru, with Inspector Phil Lewis leading the effort, worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was served. Inspector Lewis described the act as heinous, emphasizing that the cruelty involved chasing, catching, and beating the cat with a piece of wood, which must have caused the animal immense pain and terror. He condemned the act, stating, “To bludgeon a cat to death in this way is a heinous crime, and it is no surprise there was such widespread condemnation to this act across North Wales. With no body or witnesses to the incident, this was a complex investigation, but RSPCA Cymru worked hard to ensure legal ramifications were faced for this despicable action. The poor cat was chased, caught and beaten, in what must have been a terrifying experience, causing unimaginable pain. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for such cruelty.”

Following the court proceedings, Dylan Edwards was sentenced to an 18-week prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service and pay costs amounting to £750. The court also disqualified him from owning any animals for a period of four years, a ban that expired in 2021. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the ongoing importance of animal welfare laws and enforcement in Wales.