WALTER KANHUKAMWE'S CRUELTY IN NEWPORT AND BLOXWICH: HEATWAVE DOG ABUSE LEADS TO JAIL

Walter Rangariria Kanhukamwe, born in July 2001 and residing on Somerton Road in Newport NP19, with known connections to Bloxwich in Walsall, West Midlands, has been convicted of serious animal welfare offenses related to the neglect and mistreatment of two American bulldog-type dogs named Crystal and Peachey. The case, which garnered significant attention, was prosecuted by the RSPCA following a series of investigations into Kanhukamwe’s handling of his pets.

In a court hearing, Kanhukamwe was found guilty of multiple charges, despite his initial denial of the allegations. The court established that he had failed to provide adequate care for Crystal, particularly during a severe heatwave on July 19, 2022. The conviction centered around his neglect in exposing the dog to dangerously high temperatures without offering proper shelter or sufficient water, a clear breach of animal welfare standards.

The court heard that Kanhukamwe also neglected to ensure that Crystal and Peachey had access to appropriate shelter, clean and dry bedding, veterinary care, fresh water, companionship, and exercise. These failures occurred over an extended period, with the second offense spanning from October 16, 2021, to July 19, 2022.

According to a written statement from RSPCA inspector Emma Smith, police had previously removed Crystal from a garden after she was found in a collapsed state suffering from heat exhaustion. This incident was reported to the RSPCA for further investigation. The inspector detailed that Crystal had been left without adequate water or shelter during the hot weather, which led to her suffering near-fatal hyperthermia.

Veterinary examination in July 2022 confirmed the severity of Crystal’s condition. The vet described how the dog was seized after being found collapsed in a garden on an extremely hot day, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius and minimal cloud cover. The dog had been actively cooled by neighbors before being brought to the clinic. Upon arrival, Crystal was panting heavily, nearly in respiratory distress, with a body temperature of 39.8°C—an indication of hyperthermia, which is dangerous and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

The veterinarian emphasized that Crystal was on the brink of heat stroke and could have suffered irreversible damage or death if her temperature had not been lowered quickly. The vet also noted that the owner’s failure to seek immediate veterinary care demonstrated a neglect of duty of care, which contributed to the dog’s suffering through dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Further investigations revealed that the RSPCA had previously visited Kanhukamwe’s residence multiple times due to concerns about the dogs being left in unsuitable conditions for prolonged periods. During these visits, inspectors issued warning notices and requested improvements to the dogs’ environment. Crystal was also found to have cherry eye, a condition that the inspectors advised should be examined by a veterinarian. However, Kanhukamwe refused to seek veterinary treatment for this issue, opting instead to use over-the-counter eye drops provided by the previous owner.

In addition to animal welfare violations, Kanhukamwe’s criminal record includes a March 2023 conviction for waving a hunting knife above his head in Cardiff before calmly entering a café. The court revealed that he had seven previous convictions, including a prior knife possession in 2018. As part of his sentencing, he received a 21-month jail term, with an immediate 16-week custodial sentence. Furthermore, he was handed a three-year ban on owning or keeping dogs, which will expire in July 2026.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially during extreme weather conditions. Kanhukamwe’s actions have resulted in significant legal consequences, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities treat animal cruelty cases in Newport and beyond.