A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been banned from keeping dogs for five years, after failing to investigate and address the emaciated state of two Basset Hounds.
Mr Robert Lyn Jenkins, of Maes Y Bryn, Llandissilio, Clunderwen, pleaded guilty to the Animal Welfare Act offences at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 16).
This is an absolute ban, as it cannot be appealed for a five-year period.
An RSPCA inspector said the hounds had been through a ‘very tough time’, and both were subject to ‘serious […] neglect’.
In October 2016, RSPCA Cymru found the dogs at the Clunderwen property in an heavily emaciated state. This followed reports to the charity that both dogs – named Donut and Fudge – had been left outside the property overnight without adequate shelter.
Jenkins was also handed a £300 fine, ordered to pay £300 costs, and a £31 victim surcharge.
Keith Hogben, RSPCA inspector, said: “These poor Bassett Hounds were very emaciated – and went through a very tough time, with veterinary opinion confirming that they had both suffered unnecessarily.
“Both dogs put on a lot of weight in a short space of time, solely through the provision of good care and food – which shows the serious nature of neglect involved in this case.
“Donut and Fudge were subject to unnecessary weight loss and poor body condition, and the diet they were provided with was simply not appropriate to their needs.
“This case is another reminder as to the important legal responsibilities people have towards their pets, and the consequences if these are not adhered to. RSPCA Cymru will continue to protect dogs like Donut and Fudge from this sort of neglect.”
