BLACKWOOD DOG ABUSER NICOLE JONES SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND THEFTS

Nicole Mireille Jones, born on January 1, 1990, and residing on Brynglas Avenue in Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, has been at the center of a heartbreaking case involving severe animal neglect and subsequent criminal behavior. Her case drew significant attention from the RSPCA Cymru, which had made multiple visits to her property in an effort to intervene and provide assistance for her eight-year-old Husky crossbreed, Chad.

Chad, a dog once full of vitality and health, was tragically left to suffer in deplorable conditions. The RSPCA inspectors found him in a state of extreme neglect, suffering from chronic ear infections and a severe deterioration of his skin. The skin condition was so advanced that veterinarians reported it was peeling away when touched, indicating the extent of his suffering. Despite the repeated attempts by the RSPCA to ensure Chad received proper veterinary care, Jones failed to act, neglecting his urgent medical needs.

As Chad’s condition worsened, the veterinarians concluded that there was no hope for recovery. The pain and suffering he endured had become unbearable, and on humane grounds, Chad was euthanized. This decision was made after careful consideration of his deteriorated physical state, which had become so severe that his skin was falling away, and his infections were painfully persistent.

Nicole Jones, a mother of one, admitted to causing her dog Chad to suffer, pleading guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. Her neglect and failure to seek veterinary treatment for Chad’s painful and debilitating conditions resulted in the dog’s tragic death. The case highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect.

Gemma Black, an inspector with the RSPCA, expressed her disappointment and frustration, stating, “We repeatedly tried to help Nicole Jones, but she did not ensure that Chad received the necessary veterinary care to address his dreadful physical conditions and painful ear infections. The deterioration was so severe that the vets told us his skin was beginning to fall away when touched. There was simply no choice but to put this poor, suffering Husky crossbreed to sleep.”

Further compounding her criminal record, Nicole Jones, who is reportedly battling heroin addiction, was subsequently banned from keeping animals for life. The court’s sentencing reflected the gravity of her neglect, with Jones receiving an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to pay a total of £565 in fines and costs. After five years, she will have the right to appeal her lifetime ban on owning animals.

In a subsequent development in June 2020, Nicole Jones’s criminal behavior extended beyond animal neglect. She was sent to prison after breaching the terms of her suspended sentence twice. She admitted to stealing alcohol from Tesco stores—£175 worth in Ystrad Mynach on May 14, 2020, and £275.50 worth from Tesco in Upper Boat, Pontypridd, on June 13. Her breaches resulted in her being jailed for a total of 30 weeks, with additional consecutive sentences of 12 and 6 weeks for the thefts. She was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, as well as the importance of accountability for criminal behavior beyond animal cruelty. Nicole Jones’s actions have left a lasting impact on her community in Blackwood and serve as a warning to others about the serious repercussions of such neglect and criminal conduct.