Cornwall breeders order to pay £14,000 for keeping puppies in 'overcrowded and dirty' outbuildings
A trio of breeders have been banned from keeping dogs and cats
A trio of breeders who kept dogs and cats in "cold and dirty outbuildings" have been banned from keeping dogs and cats for 10 years and ordered to pay more than £14,000 in fines.
Alison Gilbert, Amy Gilbert, and Jonathan Roberts, of Lower Biscovillack Farm, St Austell, pleaded guilty to not taking reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animals in their care were met and for failing to comply with welfare regulations.
Amy Roberts also pleaded guilty to an additional offence under Section 4 for causing the unnecessary suffering of animals.
Cornwall Council carried out an inspection at the farm in February 2023 following complaints from members of the public.
They found more than 60 dogs, which had not been spayed or castrated, and three litters of puppies living in "cold outbuildings, which were overcrowded and dirty".
The officers also found an outside cattery at the premises, the cats were found "dirty, with matted fur and faeces stuck to their coat".
The cattery was found "poorly ventilated and had an overpowering smell of ammonia from urine."
Alison Gilbert, aged 60, Amy Gilbert, aged 33, and Jonathan Roberts, aged 36, were each given a Disqualification Order preventing them from owning, keeping, and dealing in cats or dogs for a period of 10 years. Amy Gilbert was also given a 12-month Community Order.
Alison Gilbert was fined £368 with a £147 victim surcharge, Amy Gilbert was fined £923 with a £114 surcharge and Johnathan Roberts was fined £269 with a £108 surcharge. The Court awarded Cornwall Council full costs of £12,459.80.
Councillor Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “These individuals showed a blatant disregard for the welfare of the dogs and cats in their care. The animals were being used purely for breeding purposes to make money.
“We will not allow breeders to treat animals in this way and I hope this case acts as an example to others.”