A couple has been banned for life from keeping animals after a court heard about their mistreatment of a dog in Wales. The Swansea Magistrates’ Court was told that Roseanne Lee and Nathan Price had caused unnecessary suffering to a heavily pregnant German Shepherd cross dog named Bella. They failed to provide vet care for a leg injury the dog had sustained. The court heard that the RSPCA deputy chief inspector presented a video of Bella to a veterinary surgeon on January 16. The vet suspected Bella’s leg was broken and had healed abnormally over time.
Following this, the police were contacted, and on January 17, Bella was found lying in the back of a van at a temporary travellers site. Bella was later seized by the police and taken to the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic for examination. A vet report confirmed that Bella’s hind leg had a femoral neck fracture, indicating chronicity. The report stated that Bella had likely been suffering for at least 10 to 12 weeks. Bella gave birth to 11 puppies on January 18, and they all made good progress.
After being transferred to an RSPCA foster home, Bella received the necessary veterinary care, including the amputation of her leg once the puppies were weaned. Lee and Price were sentenced on September 25 at Swansea Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bella by failing to provide appropriate veterinary care. They were both disqualified for life from keeping animals, fined £400 each, and ordered to undergo rehabilitation activities. Price received a 12-week suspended prison sentence, while Lee received an eight-week suspended prison sentence.
Bella and her puppies were rehomed, and Bella is currently in the care of an RSPCA branch, awaiting a forever home. The RSPCA ensured Bella’s well-being and provided the necessary treatment for her recovery. All the puppies have also found loving homes. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting the welfare of animals.