MATHEW HOWELL JONES FROM TONYPANDY SENTENCED FOR WILDLIFE CRIME AND ANIMAL NEGLECT

Mathew Howell Jones, born on 30 May 1981 and residing on Jones Street, Tonypandy CF40 2BY, was convicted in 2020 of wildlife and animal welfare offenses. He received a suspended jail sentence after he was found interfering with a badger sett and neglecting his injured dog.

Jones pleaded guilty to one offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and another under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court was told that he was caught using dogs to disturb a badger sett on January 20, 2019.

Additionally, Jones admitted to failing to seek urgent veterinary care for his badly injured dog, a black terrier that was suffering from serious injuries. The dog exhibited alopecia and skin lesions caused by sarcoptic mange, along with a tear injury to the lower eyelid. Despite these injuries, Jones did not take the dog to the vet for treatment.

A veterinary professional explained that such injuries are “commonly seen following fighting” and are “consistent with a face-to-face encounter with another dog, a fox, or a badger.”

As part of the investigation, one of the four dogs initially seized was placed in the care of the RSPCA and was eventually available for rehoming. Police discovered blood-stained overalls in Jones’ van, although he denied owning the clothing. Blood tests confirmed that the blood belonged to a badger.

Further evidence revealed a large, freshly dug, and back-filled hole at an active badger sett. RSPCA officers also found that Jones used equipment such as locating devices and netting related to his illegal activities, which were ordered to be surrendered by the court.

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs of the RSPCA’s special operations unit stated: “Interfering with a badger sett in this way is a very serious wildlife crime, and clearly had serious possible impacts both for the dogs involved and wildlife. One poor dog in this case was struggling with injuries that clearly needed urgent veterinary care. It’s very worrying that the injuries sustained by the dog are – according to veterinary opinion – consistent with fighting, and a face-to-face encounter with wildlife, such as a fox or a badger. This case is yet another example of the RSPCA’s efforts to tackle crimes against Wales’ wildlife.”

In sentencing, Jones was given a five-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. He was also ordered to pay a total of £1,520 in fines and costs. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping all animals for four years. The court also confiscated all possessions related to his illegal activities, including locating devices and netting.