Shakira Perry, of Honiton Road, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after failing to meet the needs of two French Bulldogs and a cat.
At Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 5, she was sentenced to four weeks in custody, suspended for two years.
The court also imposed a two-year ban on keeping all animals, along with a Building Choices Programme requirement, 10 days of rehabilitation activity, and a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement. Perry was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
The case followed an investigation by the RSPCA, after concerns were raised about animals left inside a property on Honiton Road.
On March 12, 2025, Sophie Daniels, an RSPCA inspector, attended the address after tape seals placed on the door as part of the charity’s abandonment procedure remained intact for several days.
In a statement to the court, Inspector Daniels said a long-haired tabby and white cat approached her outside the property “crying” and followed her to the front door.
Through a small gap in the curtains, she was able to see a tan French Bulldog inside the house.
“The dog appeared lean around the chest area that I could see,” she said.
The inspector later returned and observed the dog again, this time noting that its ribs were clearly visible.
Unable to contact the owner, officers from South Wales Police were called and forced entry to the property.
Inside they found two French Bulldog-type dogs, a tan male and a black-and-tan female, both described as underweight.
Inspector Daniels said: “The tan dog was thin with ribs, hips and spine visible. The second dog was also thin and had an odd gait when walking.”
Officers also discovered there was no food or water available inside the property.
The two dogs and the cat were removed and taken into the care of the RSPCA.
All three animals were examined at the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Surgery, where staff reported the dogs were “very keen to eat” and the cat repeatedly drank water when it was offered.
In mitigation, the court heard Perry had apologised and had been dealing with bereavements and personal issues.
Following the sentencing, Inspector Daniels said: “All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and should have their needs met.
“Thankfully both dogs made an improvement in their body condition and all three have been doing well in our care.”
