A MAN has been jailed after three dogs were found starved to death at his home.
RSPCA inspectors have described it as a harrowing case and said the suffering involved would have been unimaginable.
The three beagles belonged to Maesteg man Andrew Bethley, who was being treated for alcohol addiction at the time.
A fourth dog was found alive but in an emaciated state at unemployed Bethley's house in Caerau.
As well as being jailed, 44-year-old Bethley now faces an indefinite ban on keeping any animals.
The RSPCA prosecution was heard at Bridgend Magistrates Court, where Bethley pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to four beagles.
It followed a visit by one of the animal charity's inspectors to the defendant's home last September.
"During the visit, three dead beagle dogs were discovered along with an emaciated dog of the same breed," said an RSPCA spokesman. "The animals were taken for veterinary inspection, where it was confirmed the three dogs had starved to death.
"The fourth animal was found to be in an emaciated state due to malnutrition and could barely stand."
In his defence, the court was told the defendant was in receipt of medical treatment for alcohol addiction and had suffered the loss of both parents in the past 12 months.
Bethley was jailed for four months and banned indefinitely from owning or keeping all animals.
RSPCA inspector Nic de Celis said: "This has been a harrowing case and the suffering inflicted on these animals is unimaginable.
"We take no pleasure in the prison sentence imposed on the defendant but it does reflect the gravity of his failure to care for his animals."
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
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