THE owner of a dog which had its leg amputated after being trapped in a trailer in Varteg, was fined almost £400 yesterday.

Philip Price, 62, of Alma Close, Victoria Village, Garndiffaith, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and for not taking reasonable steps to meet its needs.

Abergavenny Magistrates' Court heard how a brindle and white Staffordshire bull terrier dog was found by RSPCA inspector Rebecca Rees inside a trailer on February 6.

Aled Watkins, prosecuting, said the trailer's roller shutter was down and described it as a “bitterly cold day” with snow on the ground which had blown through the door. He said the dog had a painful wound on its left leg and could not put any weight on it.

The dog, around three-years-old, weighed 8.5kg and was taken to a vet and found to be emaciated. It was dehydrated and had not eaten for at least two or three days.

Price accepted he owned the dog, which he said was a stray, and thought the leg wound would have healed up. He had not locked her in, he said and was remorseful for what happened.

Defending, David Coles said Price was not a man who mistreats animals and had made a genuine mistake.

Magistrates ordered Price pay a fine of £175, contribute £200 to the RSPCA’s costs and pay a £15 victim surcharge. The dog has been rehomed by the RSPCA.