GARETH LEWIS FROM PONTYPOOL SENTENCED FOR NEGLECTING HIS DOG IN CWMAVON

Gareth Lewis, a man in his 50s residing at 3 Snail Creep Terrace, Cwmavon, Pontypool NP4 8XE, was found guilty of neglecting his pet dog, leading to unnecessary suffering. The case was heard at Cwmbran Magistrates' Court, where Lewis pleaded guilty to causing his Staffordshire bull terrier, named Cass, to endure pain and distress due to inadequate treatment of a serious wound.

According to reports, Lewis failed to provide proper medical care for an infected wound on Cass’s body. Instead of seeking veterinary assistance, he claimed to be treating the abscess himself using antiseptic spray. This approach was deemed wholly inappropriate by animal welfare authorities, as it did not address the severity of the injury.

The incident came to light when members of the public noticed Cass with an open wound on his shoulder and neck area. The RSPCA Cymru was alerted to the situation, and investigations revealed that the abscess had burst in November 2016. Veterinary professionals had previously advised that the abscess should be drained or that the dog should receive further veterinary treatment to prevent suffering.

Despite these recommendations, Lewis chose not to utilize the free veterinary voucher provided by the RSPCA to ensure proper care for Cass. Instead, he continued to treat the wound himself, which ultimately resulted in the dog experiencing significant pain and discomfort. The RSPCA described his actions as “wholly inappropriate,” emphasizing that the dog’s suffering could have been avoided with proper medical intervention.

Fortunately, the dog’s condition has since been addressed. The infected lump was surgically removed from Cass’s neck, and he has been rehomed through the RSPCA’s Newport Animal Centre on Hartridge Farm Road. The dog has been renamed Taz and is now in a safe and caring environment, giving him a second chance at a happy life.

Emma Smith, an inspector with the RSPCA, expressed her concern over the case, stating, “This poor Staffordshire bull terrier has suffered because his owner failed to ensure he was given the veterinary treatment he so badly needed. A nasty, painful infected wound in the dog’s neck and shoulders needed urgent care – but despite recommendations in November 2016 that it would need to be removed, Cass’s owner failed to help his dog.”

She further added, “Multiple attempts to work with the owner, including providing a free veterinary voucher, were unsuccessful due to his refusal to seek proper treatment. Claims that the dog was being treated with antiseptic spray are wholly inappropriate, and we’re just relieved we were able to intervene in time to help this poor dog. Now, Taz has a second chance at a loving home.”

In sentencing, Gareth Lewis received a 12-week prison sentence, which was suspended for twelve months. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay fines and charges totaling £415, and was banned from owning any animals for ten years, with the ban set to expire in April 2028. This case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the legal obligations owners have to ensure their animals receive appropriate veterinary care.