Teenager avoids jail after keeping dogs in squalid conditions outside hotel near Bristol

Warning: Some people may find the images distressing in this article
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A man from Bristol avoided an immediate prison sentence after being convicted of animal welfare offences in relation to two dogs - which have both now made a recovery.

Antonio Ronaldo Emillio Kovacs was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and banned from keeping animals for ten years after his two pet dogs were found in poor health living in squalid conditions in sheds in the grounds of a hotel.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 19-year-old, of Stanley Road, appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on October 14 and admitted animal welfare offences following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

Holly, a French bulldog, and Elka, a German wirehaired pointer, were rescued by the RSPCA in June.Holly, a French bulldog, and Elka, a German wirehaired pointer, were rescued by the RSPCA in June.
Holly, a French bulldog, and Elka, a German wirehaired pointer, were rescued by the RSPCA in June.

Holly, a French bulldog, and Elka, a German wirehaired pointer, arrived at RSPCA North Somerset branch’s Brent Knoll Animal Centre in June after being rescued by as RSPCA inspector.

But thankfully, the pair have now made a recovery.

Andy Cook, behaviour and welfare advisor at RSPCA Brent Knoll, said: “The first few days are always the hardest with any animal who has been rescued.

“It’s essential that they get swift and appropriate treatment and care at the moment they need it most, and Holly and Elka were certainly in desperate need when they first arrived at RSPCA Brent Knoll.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Holly was missing one eye which had been surgically removed previously. Her remaining eye was severely ulcerated and a serious risk of rupture.

“Elka’s poor body was covered in scars with wounds that were of varying age, some healing and others fresh and infected. She also had areas of significant swelling.

Both dogs have since found loving new homes.Both dogs have since found loving new homes.
Both dogs have since found loving new homes.

Andy added: “Holly’s eye sadly ruptured and she required urgent surgical intervention to save it.

“This then required a six week period of care whereby her eye received drops four times a day in order to support recovery.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This procedure would then need to be reversed before we would know if it were a success and if Holly could see.

“She was almost completely blind for this six week period but robust little Holly, the star that she is, handled this brilliantly.

“Thankfully, the operation to save her eye was a success but the severe damage and subsequent scarring has meant that she has limited vision in her one remaining eye.

“Elka began to heal, assisted by necessary medications and the animal care team bathed her infected wounds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The swelling reduced and her hair began to grow. She found her smile and became incredibly affectionate.”

It’s been a long journey to recovery for Holly the French Bulldog.It’s been a long journey to recovery for Holly the French Bulldog.
It’s been a long journey to recovery for Holly the French Bulldog.

Both Holly and Elka have now been adopted by new owners and are enjoying ‘cuddles on comfy sofas and trips to the beach’.

Kovacs was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £1,300 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.