A MAN who dumped a dog on the side of a road wrapped in a piece of carpet has been banned from keeping animals for life.

Paul James, of Arrael View, Abertillery, pleaded guilty to three Animal Welfare Act offences at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on April 24.

These included an offence of failing to meet the needs of the dog - named Max - after he was dumped in a deteriorating physical condition near Fochriw Mountain, on August 12 last year. The dog was found by a member of the public and later put down on welfare grounds.

The 55-year-old also admitted to causing the dog unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary care and attention for a severely infected right ear, and for signs of illness.

He was given an 18-week custodial sentence for each offence, suspended for 12 months and to run concurrently, and was banned from keeping any animal for the rest of his life.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £400 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

RSPCA Cymru, who identified the dog’s owner after a social media appeal, say the case highlights the potential consequences of abandoning injured animals.

RSPCA inspector, Annie Simmonds, said: “It was heartbreaking that in this dog’s moment of need, instead of companionship and compassion, his owner chose to dump him like this, to die alone and suffering.

“We are grateful to the public for their support, following our initial appeal for information.”