Dog starved to death and another left severely emaciated after weeks of neglect by owner Ricky Harrison
A man whose neglect caused one of his dogs to starve to death while another was found severely emaciated has avoided immediate imprisonment — but has been banned from keeping animals for life.
Ricky James Kenneth Harrison, 42, of Parc Puw, Drefach Felindre, near Llandysul, admitted two Animal Welfare Act offences involving his bull-breed dogs, 12-year-old Suki and three-year-old Charlie.
Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court heard that RSPCA Inspector Jemima Hanks-Martin attended Harrison’s property in November 2025 following concerns that the dogs had been left unattended.
When she returned on November 15, seals placed on the door the previous day remained untouched and the side gate was blocked. Through a damaged letterbox she could see an extremely underweight dog whose ribs, hips and spine were clearly visible.
The desperately hungry dog began licking at food and water pushed through the letterbox.
When Harrison eventually arrived, he confirmed both dogs were inside and admitted he had not seen them for a week.
He brought Charlie outside in an emaciated condition before returning to the property. Harrison then emerged crying and saying “she’s gone”, carrying Suki’s body.
She was severely underweight, with her bones prominently visible.
Veterinary examinations gave both dogs a body-condition score of just 1/9, with a normal score being around four or five.
A post-mortem examination found no underlying illness to explain Suki’s condition. Her gastrointestinal tract contained no food, while non-edible material was discovered, indicating she had been attempting to eat despite having no food available.
The vet concluded that Suki died from starvation and that both dogs had suffered for a minimum of three weeks.
Charlie survived after receiving treatment. He made a full recovery and was subsequently rehomed by the RSPCA.
The court heard the RSPCA had previously attended Harrison’s home in July 2025 following an earlier report about the dogs being left unattended. At that stage, both animals were found to be in ideal body condition and welfare advice was provided.
Harrison received 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after magistrates concluded the offences were so serious that a custodial sentence was justified.
He was also disqualified from owning or keeping animals for life.
As part of a 24-month community order, Harrison must complete 26 sessions of the Building Better Choices Programme, 25 rehabilitation activity days and a DIDAS intervention. He was also ordered to pay £400 costs and a £187 surcharge.
The court heard mitigation concerning Harrison’s mental health and his acceptance of the prosecution case. His previous offending, including domestic violence, was also referred to during sentencing.
RSPCA Inspector Jemima Hanks-Martin described what happened to the dogs as heartbreaking, adding that although help came too late for Suki, Charlie had fortunately recovered and found a new home.
Suki died after weeks of suffering. Charlie survived. Harrison walked free from court with a suspended sentence — and will never legally be allowed to keep animals again.
