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Barry man fined after dog abandoned

Wednesday, 3 December 2025 at 23:26

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

RSPCA

A Barry man who left his Staffordshire bull terrier to fend for herself has been banned from keeping animals for two years.

Gucci was rescued by RSPCA officers from an address at Hanover Court where she had been left for several days.

Jamie Colburn admitted failing to ensure the needs of animal. He is currently serving a prison sentence for separate offences.

Cardiff magistrates heard an RSPCA inspector had attended the property on 4th July 2024.

In a written witness statement, Christine McNeil said: "Tape seals placed by a colleague on the door and frame and over the lock were still in place and undisturbed."

"I tried to look through the letterbox, but there was a dog barking aggressively at the letterbox from inside. I was unable to see the dog clearly to be able to assess it."

"However, after waiting a while for the dog to move back from the letterbox, I was able to look through and see a few piles of faeces in the hallway."

Inspector McNeil contacted nearby residents and a neighbour who had been feeding Gucci through the letterbox and giving her ice cubes twice a day for several days.

The following week, the tape seals on the door and lock had remained intact on the door, meaning the owner had not returned.

On Wednesday 10th, Gucci was rescued from the property and seized by police who placed her into the care of the RSPCA. She was described as appearing in "reasonable bodily condition and was bright and alert".

Colburn, in mitigation, said he had been living in a car which had broken down, meaning he could not get to the house and there had been a breakdown in communication.

He was charged with failing to meet Gucci's needs of providing a suitable environment and a suitable diet - including continuous access to an adequate supply of clean fresh drinking water - and providing adequate care and supervision.

Colburn was fined £200 and ordered to pay a further £400 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80. Magistrates felt they could not impose a community order as he is serving a prison sentence.

Following sentencing, Inspector McNeil said: "Gucci's needs were not met and she was just abandoned and left to fend for herself by her owner. Having a pet is a big responsibility and their needs should always be met."

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