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Battersea renews call for tougher prison sentences
Graham Thomas was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Welsh border collie Prince by hanging him from a tree.

Call comes after Welsh man jailed for killing his dog

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has renewed its call for tougher sentences for animal cruelty after a Welsh farmer was sent to prison for 18 weeks for killing his sheepdog.

Graham Thomas from Tredegar was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Welsh border collie Prince by hanging him from a tree. Three people witnessed the horrific incident, who promptly contacted the RSPCA.

The hearing took place last Wednesday (21 March), where Newport Magistrates Court heard the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be a suitable punishment. Mr Thomas was jailed for 18 weeks, banned from keeping dogs and sheep for life and ordered to pay more than £750 in costs.

The news comes weeks after the Government proposed to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty in England and Wales to five years. Research by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home shows that the current six-month sentence is the lowest in Europe.

“Shocking cases like this show how important it is to increase sentences for the most serious cases of animal cruelty,” said Battersea’s chief executive, Claire Horton.

“Had this man been convicted of fly-tipping, he could have been jailed for up to five years. Instead, he has escaped with just a few months in prison. We urge Westminster not to lose sight of this vital issue and to tighten up our laws as soon as possible."

Commenting on the incident, RSPCA inspector Emma Smith said: “This is such an unusual and disturbing case where a sheepdog was killed by his owner allegedly because he wouldn’t round up his sheep properly.

“Prince would have suffered immensely which resulted say in his death. This deliberate cruelty is just so horrific to fathom. Following the incident, his body was removed by the defendant and burnt."

She continued: “It must have been extremely distressing for the witnesses to have seen this. We are very grateful to them for reporting to us and assisting with our investigations.” 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.