WREXHAM DOG OWNER LEE ANDREW GEMMELL AND LINDA MICHELLE GRIFFITH CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO PET PENNY

In Wrexham, a disturbing case of animal neglect came to light involving Lee Andrew Gemmell and Linda Michelle Griffith, both residents of Collins Court, Hightown. The couple was found guilty of severe cruelty towards their seven-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Penny, who was subjected to inhumane treatment and kept in deplorable conditions.

Between October 6 and October 20, 2016, Gemmell and Griffith failed in their duty to care for Penny, neglecting her basic needs and allowing her to suffer. An RSPCA inspector, responding to public concerns about Penny’s welfare, visited the couple’s residence in Hightown. During the inspection, the inspector observed Penny in a shocking state of neglect. The dog was found to be severely malnourished, with ribs clearly visible through her skin, and suffering from an untreated ear infection. Additionally, sores covered her legs, and she was confined to a small cupboard under the stairs, a cramped space cluttered with children’s toys, devoid of any food, bedding, or water.

Gemmell and Griffith each pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering and two charges of being responsible for the animal’s welfare. Prosecutor Glen Murphy, representing the RSPCA at Wrexham Magistrates Court, detailed the findings and circumstances surrounding Penny’s condition. He explained that the couple was cooperative during the investigation, with Gemmell immediately agreeing to surrender Penny to the RSPCA after the inspector’s discovery. The inspector noted that Penny emitted a strong smell of urine, had overgrown nails, and was not microchipped. Despite her poor condition, Penny was described as having a friendly nature.

At the time of the inspection, Griffith was in hospital, pregnant with the couple’s second child, which was noted as a factor in the neglect. A veterinary examination confirmed Penny was infested with a large number of live fleas and suffering from an untreated ear infection that caused her significant discomfort. Her weight was rated as two out of nine, with nine indicating obesity, highlighting her emaciated state. After a few weeks in RSPCA care, Penny’s health improved markedly; her ear infection was treated, her muscle mass increased, and her weight was gradually restored.

Gemmell admitted to the RSPCA that he knew he should have taken Penny to the vet but was unable to afford the treatment at the time. He explained that Penny was fed dry biscuits and was only confined to the cupboard for about ten minutes, intended to prevent her from whining. Defense lawyer Andy Holliday argued that the couple’s financial struggles, exacerbated by Griffith’s pregnancy and the strain of supporting their children, contributed to the neglect. He also highlighted Gemmell’s emotional attachment to Penny, having owned her since she was a puppy, which delayed the decision to relinquish her earlier.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month conditional discharge on both Gemmell and Griffith, along with costs and charges of £105 each. Additionally, they were banned from owning or keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in February 2027. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, especially in cases involving vulnerable animals like Penny in Wrexham.