Dogs found “extremely thin”
Llanelli Magistrates Court heard how Shaun Robert Ferguson, 44, of Camrose, Haverfordwest, allowed his dogs Prince and Trixie to become dangerously underweight while he was living in Plymouth. Police seized the animals after concerns were raised about their condition.
A vet who examined the pair described them as “extremely thin,” with both showing signs of long‑term starvation lasting at least three to four months. Prince, the larger of the two, weighed just 27.7kg, while Trixie weighed 26kg. Both had a body condition score of 1 – the lowest possible rating.
The court was told that Prince had been eating plastic and other foreign objects in a desperate attempt to survive, while Trixie had not passed any faeces for 12 hours after being taken into care, suggesting she had not eaten for a long period.
Sentence handed down
Ferguson was found guilty in his absence of two animal welfare offences. Alongside the seven‑year ban on keeping animals – which he cannot appeal for five years – he was handed a 24‑month community order, ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days, fined £300, and told to pay £1,000 in costs.
RSPCA response
RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who led the investigation, said:
“There is never an excuse to neglect or mistreat animals. Owners have a duty and responsibility to ensure the needs of their animals are met, this includes making sure they have a suitable diet and appropriate treatment and care.”
Both dogs have since been signed over to the RSPCA and are being prepared for rehoming.
Local impact
The case has shocked many in Pembrokeshire, where Ferguson is from. The RSPCA says it hopes the sentence will serve as a reminder that animal neglect will not be tolerated, and that those responsible will face prosecution.
