Antonio Vella, a 71 year old man from Żejtun lost his appeal case, failing to overturn the previous decision of a two year suspended sentence for four years.Despite this, the previous fine of €21,600 was lowered to €21,450 and the prohibition of owning dogs for 25 years was withdrawn as the court had noted that the legal provision allowing for this prohibition was introduced after the crime was done, reported TVM News.Vella’s case started in 2019 after officers from the Animal Welfare Directorate inspected his house in Żejtun and found the 44 dogs held in subpar conditions. The officials described a pungent smell of urine around the house, with most of the dogs running around the house and some of them being held in cages.The officials said that 14 of these dogs were not chipped, 10 of the dogs were registered on his late wife and two registered on another person. Most of the dogs were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, there were other breeds as well such as Rough Collier, Chow Chow and Shih Tzu.Vella was found guilty and given the initial verdict. Judge Natasha Galea proclaimed during the appeal that she believes the given sentence and fine were adequate. She also ordered that the dogs at his house are handed over to the Animal Welfare Directorate.Photo Credits: Tvm NewsWhat do you make of this?•