Robert Waldron, of Tredegar Avenue, Llanharan, has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court after inflicting severe blunt-force trauma on his Bull Terrier, Narla.
The prosecution arose from an inquiry conducted by the RSPCA, whose inspectors attended Waldron’s address following concerns regarding the animal’s welfare.
RSPCA Inspector Black discovered Narla displaying what appeared to be a black eye, with extensive facial bruising and swelling concentrated across the left cheek.
The inspector noted that the Bull Terrier was confined inside an indoor crate that contained no food, water, or bedding.
Narla was transferred for an emergency veterinary examination, during which the animal yelped in pain when staff attempted to open her jaw and assess the injured left eye.
Veterinary personnel identified acute redness and bruising inside the left ear canal, alongside a distinct laceration on the left side of her face.
Clinical staff administered local anaesthetic and pain relief medication, with the examining veterinary surgeon concluding that the injuries were entirely consistent with the dog being forcefully punched in the head.
During the legal proceedings, evidence was introduced showing a text message indicating that the dog had been beaten with such severity that the person responsible injured their own hand in the process.
Waldron also failed to secure prompt veterinary attention for the wounded animal following the assault.
Waldron entered guilty pleas to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006:
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal by inflicting non-accidental blunt-force trauma
Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal were met by failing to provide prompt veterinary care and suitable living conditions
Magistrates sentenced Waldron to an 18-month community order, which includes a requirement to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and participate in a 26-session rehabilitative programme.
The court also fined him £80, ordered the payment of £739 in prosecution costs, and imposed a £114 victim surcharge.
In addition to the community sentence, magistrates made an order disqualifying Waldron from keeping animals for five years.
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