Court hears mummified remains of pet were discovered months after tenants had been evicted from property
A MAN and woman have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after the remains of their dog were discovered in a Cardiff property from which they had been evicted months earlier.
Tyler Bartlett, 26, and Tayla-Louise Phillips, 29, both of Beechwood Road, Sully, appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on June 4 for sentencing after admitting failing to meet the welfare needs of their dog, Bonnie.
The court heard that RSPCA officers attended a property in Wyncliffe Gardens, Cardiff, on February 21, 2025, alongside police and housing officers following reports that a dead dog had been found inside.
The housing association-owned property had been vacated after the tenants were evicted in November 2024.
On entering the flat, officers found extensive clutter, rubbish and evidence of poor living conditions. Bonnie’s body was discovered in the kitchen and was later examined by a veterinary professional, who concluded the remains were mummified.
Investigators also found no available food or water for the dog and identified signs that the animal had suffered from poor health and neglect before its death.
The pair admitted failing to take reasonable steps to meet Bonnie’s welfare needs, including failing to investigate and address signs of illness, weight loss and poor body condition, as well as failing to provide a suitable environment.
Both defendants were disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years.
They were also each given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, together with a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. In addition, they were ordered to pay £200 costs and a victim surcharge of £114.
In mitigation, the court heard that the pair were young parents who had become overwhelmed by their circumstances and were not capable of properly caring for animals while managing family responsibilities.
Following the hearing, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Black said: “This was a distressing case for all those involved and we would like to thank the police and the housing association for their assistance.
“Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you are responsible for a pet you must make sure all their welfare needs are met.”
The prosecution was brought under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which places a legal duty on pet owners to ensure an animal’s welfare needs are properly met.
