The dog owner who abandoned his pet at a property in Barry and needed to be rescued by the RSPCA has been sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.
Staffordshire bull terrier type dog named Gucci was left for a number of days at a Hanover Court property where her needs were not met. Due to concerns about her welfare, entry was gained with police on 10th July 2024 and Gucci was seized by police and placed into the care of the RSPCA.
Photo via RSPCA.
Jamie Stephen Colburn, (43), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act and was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on 21st November.
The offence was that he failed to meet Gucci’s needs of providing a suitable environment, to provide a suitable diet including continuous access to an adequate supply of clean fresh drinking water, to express normal behavioural patterns and to provide adequate care and supervision of the animal.
He was fined £200, ordered to pay £400 costs and a £80 victim surcharge. He was also banned from keeping all animals for two years.
Already in prison
The court felt a community order could not be imposed as Colburn is a serving prisoner.
In mitigation it was heard that he had been living in a car and when the car broke down he couldn’t get to the house and there had been a breakdown in communication.
In a written witness statement, provided to the court, RSPCA Inspector Christine McNeil said she attended the Barry property on 4th July 2024.
Undisturbed tape seals
She said: “Tape seals placed by a colleague on the door and frame and over the lock were still in place and undisturbed.
“I tried to look through the letterbox but there was a dog barking aggressively at the letterbox from inside. I was unable to see the dog clearly to be able to assess it.
“However, after waiting a while for the dog to move back from the letterbox, I was able to look through and see a few piles of faeces in the hallway.”
Neighbour fed animal through letterbox
Inspector McNeil made enquiries with those living nearby and a neighbour had been feeding the dog through the letterbox and giving ice cubes twice a day since Monday.
Enquiries were made on Monday 8th July and Tuesday 9th July where the tape seals remained intact on the door – meaning the owner had not returned. Arrangements were then made with the police to meet the following morning.
Police seized dog
On 10th July the tape seals on the door and lock were still undisturbed and Gucci was removed from the property. Gucci who “appeared in reasonable bodily condition and was bright and alert” was seized by police and placed into the care of the RSPCA.
Following sentencing, Inspector McNeil said: “Gucci’s needs were not met and she was just abandoned and left to fend for herself by her owner. Having a pet is a big responsibility and their needs should always be met.”
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