JULIE KNIGHT and SIDNEY JAMIE REES – RHONDDA CYNON TAF, WALES

❌JULIE KNIGHT and SIDNEY JAMIE REES – RHONDDA CYNON TAF, WALES❌

CONVICTED | Julie Knight, 51, and Sidney Jamie Rees, 52, from Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf – failed to take a dog with a large tumour on her face to a vet despite being given vouchers by the RSPCA.

Knight and Rees pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act in relation to American bulldog Athena.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Andrew Harris attended the couple’s home in January 2024 and was shown Athena.

He said: “I could see that she had a small swelling on the right side of her face about the size of a golf ball. I asked Mr Rees what it was and he told me that she had teeth out about a year ago on that side of her head and that the swelling had come up this week.”

Rees confirmed that she had not seen a vet for this recent swelling. Mr Harris advised Rees that Athena needed to see a vet within seven days. As well as an Animal Welfare Assessment form they were also given a RSPCA Veterinary Assistance Voucher.

The court was provided with several statements from other RSPCA Inspectors and officers who made attempts to see Athena and advised repeatedly that she needed veterinary care.

On April 24, 2024, ARO Lauren Perry was given access to the property and was able to see Athena and was told she had not been taken to the vets.

She said: “I could immediately see that she had an enlarged face, and that her right eye was partially closed. She was in good bodily condition and was bright and alert but her face was really swollen.”

ARO Perry was told that she has not been taken to the vets because they didn’t have any transport. She was “immediately concerned for the welfare of Athena” and asked if she could take her to the vets which her owners agreed to.

At a veterinary surgery the vet explained again to Knight and Rees that Athena was actively suffering and the only treatment option to stop the suffering would be euthanasia.

ARO Perry said: “I heard Ms Knight tell the vet that it had been ongoing since June 2023. She explained that Athena had had teeth removed at a different vet practice and that was where the issues started. Ms Knight told the vet that since June 2023 Athena had not received any further veterinary treatment.”

Deputy chief inspector Gemma Black said: “This is an extremely heartbreaking case. Athena’s owners sadly did not make arrangements for her to visit a vet and her needs were not met which led to her suffering unnecessarily.

“We would urge any pet owners to reach out to animal welfare charities or organisations if in need, and not to delay in seeking veterinary assistance.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 10 days of ‘rehabilitation’. They were each fined £80 and ordered to pay victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £532.50. Banned from keeping dogs for just TWO years.

Bottom right photo shows Athena before she developed the tumour.