RYAN STEPHENS OF NEWPORT CONVICTED FOR NEGLECTING DOG IN RISCA

Ryan Kenneth John Stephens, born around 1995 and residing on Mount Pleasant Road in Risca, Newport, was convicted in 2025 for failing to provide adequate veterinary care to his dog, a female bulldog named Loona, who suffered from a severe skin condition and a flea infestation.

Stephens pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Loona by neglecting her health needs, which led to her losing all of her fur.

A witness statement from RSPCA Inspector Sian Burton detailed the condition of the dog: “She was extremely pleased to see people but she had very little fur over her body and only really a patch left on the back of her neck. Her skin was thickened, smelt yeasty, the skin on her legs looked like saggy tights and she was extremely itchy. Loona tried to rub herself against my legs and anything else she could get to. Her skin was very warm to touch and she had visible scabs over her face and body from her scratching.”

Inspector Burton was permitted to take Loona to a veterinarian, who confirmed she had been suffering for several months. Gwent Police were then notified, and Loona was transferred to the care of the RSPCA, who took her to their Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic for treatment.

The vet explained: “She was started on steroids to reduce the inflammation and discomfort, antibiotics for the secondary skin infection, anti-parasite medication to target skin mites, and a prescription shampoo to lower bacterial and yeast supplies on her skin. Achieving this level of skin recovery takes months, and I believe Loona had been suffering from this condition for at least four months, if not longer, to have deteriorated to her state when I examined her.”

Thanks to the care provided by the RSPCA, Loona recovered fully and is now available for rehoming following Stephens’ conviction. During sentencing, it was noted that Stephens was caring for a relative at the time and admitted he should have done more, describing his situation as “a difficult time.”

He was fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80, and contribute £700 towards RSPCA costs. Additionally, Stephens received a one-year ban from owning animals, which will last until February 2026.

Loona has since made a complete recovery and is ready to find a new home.