LINDa JONES FROM LLANELLI SENTENCED AFTER HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE INVOLVING TrixIE

 |  Red Rose Database

Llanelli Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case of animal neglect that unfolded in Llanelli, Linda Jones, born around 1972 and residing at Gwelfor, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her dog, Trixie. The case came to light after Trixie was taken to the PDSA clinic in Swansea in January 2022, where veterinarians discovered the severe extent of her suffering. The dog’s condition was so dire that the vets made the difficult decision to euthanize her on welfare grounds, citing the extent of her injuries and pain.

Linda Jones initially insisted to an RSPCA inspector that there was nothing wrong with her pet, claiming that Trixie’s paw had only been problematic for about two weeks. She stated her intention to have the dog’s coat groomed once her injury healed. However, veterinary examination painted a starkly different picture. The vet reported that Trixie’s coat was so badly matted in certain areas that it obscured her vision and had caused her skin to become 'cheese wired'—a term used to describe hair bands and mats that had cut into her flesh.

This severe matting had led to a critical health issue: the loss of blood supply to her lower leg. The skin on her foot had turned black, indicating necrosis, and the damage was so extensive that parts of her bone and tendons were exposed when her leg was flexed. The vet observed that Trixie was non-weight bearing on her left front leg, which emitted a foul smell and showed signs of infection and pain. The evidence presented in court revealed that the damage had developed over a prolonged period, likely at least three weeks, with the initial neglect possibly spanning even longer, around three months.

During court proceedings, the veterinarian detailed the extent of the injuries, explaining that the skin had been 'cheese wired' by the mats, cutting into the flesh and exposing underlying tissues. The necrotic tissue and the blackened skin around her paws and toes confirmed the severity of the neglect. The veterinarian also noted that Trixie had been in pain and anxious, with her suffering exacerbated by her heavily matted coat.

Despite her initial denial, Linda Jones eventually pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her dog between October 5, 2021, and January 5, 2022. The court heard that her neglect had resulted in a painful, preventable condition that ultimately led to the dog's death. Following the verdict, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben expressed his disappointment, stating, “Sadly, the basic needs of this little dog had not been met. She hadn’t been groomed regularly, which resulted in a severely matted coat and a leg injury that couldn’t be treated in time to save Trixie’s life.”

In sentencing, Linda Jones received an eight-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 10 days of rehabilitation, pay costs amounting to £428, and a victim surcharge. Additionally, she was banned from owning any animals for a period of 10 years, a measure aimed at preventing similar cases in the future.

This case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect, especially when it involves vulnerable animals like Trixie in Llanelli.
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