AARON FRANCIS and CHARLIE SMITH – SWANSEAAaron Francis, 27, and Charlie Smith,…

❌AARON FRANCIS and CHARLIE SMITH – SWANSEA❌

Aaron Francis, 27, and Charlie Smith, 25, from Mayhill, Swansea – ignored a young Tibetan Mastiff’s multiple health issues.

The couple, who are parents, pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence in relation to a one-year-old Tibetan Mastiff called Bear. The puppy was found with a severely matted coat, cherry eye and hip dysplasia. Due to his deterioriating condition he was put to sleep.

In a written statement provided to the court, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie West said that she first saw Bear on 14 December 2024. As the puppy came over to her, she placed her hand on his head and could “instantly feel a large matted area on the top of his head – it appeared quite firm and I was able to move his whole head and forehead in one motion with the matts.”

She added: “He smelt of a strong wet dog smell and appeared dirty. He lifted his head to look up to me and I was totally shocked to then see both of his eye areas with large areas of red fleshy masses that covered where his eyeballs would be.

“This appeared to be what I know as cherry eye from previous dealings with dogs with this type of condition, but I had never seen a dog’s eyes look so full of masses.

“I was very shocked and concerned and taken aback at the sight I was looking at. There was a distinctive smell like a mixture of cheese and fish that was coming from his eye area and areas underneath his eyes that appeared wet.”

Bear was taken to a vet and then officially signed over to the RSPCA. He was given medications and he was de-matted carefully with clippers. He was signed over and placed into another charity’s care however, sadly it was later discovered he had severe hip dysplasia and he was put to sleep.

In mitigation it was heard that the defendants were “naive”, had no understanding of the breed – including the size or specific needs – and did not notice the deformity of his hips. It was also heard that Aaron Francis has an injury impacting on everyday life.

Following sentencing, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper, said: “We are saddened that Bear was found with these untreated conditions. We would like to remind pet owners to please seek help if they are struggling.

“Don’t bury your head in the sand and leave conditions untreated and for them to become worse. There is help out there, and we urge you to seek this before it’s too late.”

12-week custodial, suspended for 12 months; 15 days of ‘rehab’; ordered to each pay £400 and a victim surcharge of £154. FIVE-year ban.