Swansea pet owner may face jail over husky's injury

A MAN has been told he could face a prison term after causing his pet dog unnecessary suffering by not taking her for veterinary treatment following a road accident.

Daryl Jones, 23, swore at an RSPCA inspector who came to his home in Lon Camlad, Morriston, to check on his pet husky in August.

Swansea Magistrates' Court was told Jones repeatedly used obscenities at the inspector, including telling him to: "F*** off before I move you off."

The inspector, fearing for his physical safety, kept his radio on so a colleague could hear the threats.

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Jones eventually called the inspector round to his back garden where he could see a dog in obvious discomfort to his rear left leg.

Because of Jones's aggressive manner, he decided against cautioning him, but returned the following day with a police officer, as none were available that afternoon.

The dog, named Kia, was still lame and had a swollen leg, and was seized by the officers.

It eventually needed two operations, but the court was told the delay in seeking treatment meant there was a reduced chance of a successful permanent outcome.

Prosecuting, John Tarrant said Jones had said during police interview that Kia "was a lovely dog. I was going to take her for a walk on her lead, but she saw a cat and bolted, and was hit by a car".

He was said to have put ice on her hip and wrapped a towel around her and stayed with her all night. But it later emerged that the accident had probably taken place on August 6, making it three days until she received veterinary attention.

Mitigating, Dan Griffiths said Jones, who pleaded guilty to the charge, "was very upset and distressed when he saw that she had been hit, but did not realise the extent of her injuries.

"Initially, she was not limping, but it soon became apparent it was worse than first thought. He tried to tend the dog as best he could...but accepts he did not take the necessary steps.

"Clearly, he could have done more and he acknowledges that. He is a young man who is evidently remorseful, and very, very sorry."

Adjourning sentencing until December 11, district judge Vivian Manning-Davies said: "This poor animal suffered unnecessarily. There is a very real risk you will lose your liberty."