EditorHEARTBREAK: Swansea man banned for life after ‘threats to kill’ his own dog
52-year-old Andrew Matthews from Ravenhill was sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on February 24 after pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The “extremely lame” dog, a tan and black crossbreed named Lola, was found to be suffering from severe swelling in her front legs, with her owner admitting he hadn’t taken her to a vet in seven years.
Neighbors raised the alarm after reporting that Matthews had behaved “aggressively” towards the animal at his home last July.
Witnesses told the court they heard “smacking sounds” followed by the heartbreaking cries of a dog, with Matthews even heard making “threats to kill” the animal.
When RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Paula Milton arrived with police, she found Lola was unable to bear any weight on her right front leg due to “significant swelling” on the wrist.
The severe swelling on Lola’s front leg was “obvious” to anyone, according to vets who examined her. (Image: RSPCA)A vet who examined Lola found both her wrists were affected by degenerative joint disease, with multiple scars over her muzzle, elbow, and wrists.
X-rays showed bony changes around the dog’s right wrist joint which indicated an ongoing arthritis-related issue that would have taken “weeks to months” to reach that stage.
Despite being put on an extensive course of three different pain relief medications by the RSPCA, Lola was still unable to bear weight on her legs more than a month later.
Vets eventually made the “kindest” decision to put the dog to sleep, ruling that she would never be able to lead a life free from pain or fulfill her physical needs.
The court heard that Matthews struggled with alcoholism and was drunk at the time of the incident, with his defence stating he was remorseful for his actions.
As well as the lifetime ban, Matthews was handed a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to undertake an alcohol treatment programme and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper slammed the neglect, stating: “Poor Lola’s lameness was obvious and was prolonged, but the defendant failed to get her seen by a vet.”
Matthews was also ordered to pay court costs of £400 following the prosecution by the animal charity.
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