CONVICTED (2019) | Leighton Marc Donnelly, born c. 1984, of Maes Glas, Pontyates, Gwendraeth Valley SA15 – abandoned snakes to starve to death with only one surviving. Leighton Donnelly pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal – contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 – when he appeared before magistrates. The court heard that he fled a property in Baptist Well Street, Waun Wen, Swansea after falling behind on his rent. When the landlord entered the house after weeks of failing to make contact, he found a starving boa constrictor loose in a bedroom. A dead snake was found in a vivarium in the property. Jon Tarrant, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court the grim discovery was made on April 14, 2019. Mr Tarrant said the boa constrictor was examined by a vet who said the animal was in a very emaciated state, and had lost a significant amount of body weight. The vet concluded the snake “would have needed a prolonged period of starvation” to end up in such a poor physical state. In his interview Donnelly admitted that last time he had seen the snakes was in “February or March”. The defendant, who represented himself in court, apologised for actions. Magistrates told him courts took animal offences seriously and he had shown a “flagrant disregard for the welfare” of the snakes. Sentencing | 12-month community order with a rehabilitation course and 60 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay £400 towards costs. Banned from keeping any animal for two years (expired). WalesOnline