RYAN WARNER OF CWMAMAN FACES SUSPENDED SENTENCE OVER CRUELTY TO DOG GRAFFER IN ABERDARE

Ryan Warner, a resident of Alexandra Terrace in the village of Cwmaman near Aberdare, was convicted in 2022 for his role in causing significant suffering to his pet dog, Grafter, a black and white Patterdale-type terrier. The case drew attention not only because of the dog's severe injuries but also due to Warner's alleged involvement in hunting activities, which included foxes and possibly badgers, with dogs, as evidenced by his social media posts. Despite the nature of Grafter’s injuries and the photographic evidence suggesting hunting, Warner was not charged with any wildlife crimes.

The incident came to light when RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper visited Warner’s home on March 7, 2022. During her inspection, she encountered Grafter in the backyard, where she observed numerous scars across his head, muzzle, neck, and ears. Inspector Cooper described the dog’s condition in her statement to the court, noting that Grafter’s right ear had a large, healed tear, while his left ear bore a fresh, bloodied tear. The injuries on his head and muzzle varied in age, with some wounds appearing older and others more recent and scabbed.

Most alarmingly, the inspector observed that a significant portion of skin from Grafter’s lower jaw was hanging away from the bone, exposing raw flesh that was red, inflamed, and emitting a foul odor indicative of infection. When she attempted to examine the injury more closely, Grafter showed signs of discomfort, repeatedly moving his head away. Inspector Cooper questioned Warner about veterinary treatment, to which he responded that he had not taken the dog to a vet and claimed that Grafter’s injuries were present when he purchased him the previous evening from an advertisement. Warner, however, was unable to provide details of the seller, and a transfer of ownership was completed that day.

Further evidence was presented through a veterinary report, which confirmed the severity of Grafter’s injuries. The vet described the injuries as “extensive and severe,” with the most critical being an “extensive degloving injury” of the lower jaw. The term “degloving” refers to a traumatic injury where a large section of skin and tissue is torn away from underlying structures, causing immense pain. The vet emphasized that Grafter had suffered unnecessarily and enormously due to the untreated wounds, which could have been alleviated with proper veterinary care.

Following the discovery, Grafter was hospitalized, receiving pain relief and antibiotics. Surgery was performed in an attempt to save the damaged tissue, but the injuries left him with a permanent disfigurement. Despite the trauma, Grafter eventually recovered and was successfully re-homed, finding a new family to care for him.

In court, Warner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Grafter. The magistrates sentenced him to 12 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Warner was required to pay costs amounting to £2,065. He was also banned from owning dogs for five years, a restriction that will expire in October 2027.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and illegal hunting practices, with authorities emphasizing the importance of veterinary intervention and responsible pet ownership. Warner’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who neglect or abuse animals in their care.