Three jailed for running puppy selling ring in Essex
They were found guilty of an ÂŁ850,000 fraud involving the sale of sick animals
Last updated 18th Oct 2022
Three people have been jailed for a combined 11 years for their involvement in an illegal puppy farming operation in Essex.
44 year old Kelly Jean Bennett and 42 year old Ricky Jay Bennett, both of Weymouth Drive in Chafford Hundred and 41 year old Stacey Jane Hayward, of Colliford Road, West Thurrock, all admitted to fraudulently selling dogs with serious health conditions to unsuspecting buyers.
Kelly Jean Bennett was handed 49 months in prison and was handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals.
Ricky Jay Bennett was sentenced to 36 months and was also banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
Hayward was handed 47 months, while a fourth defendent in the case will be setneced later this year.
The RSPCA launched an investgation after reports from members of the public who had bought dogs from addresses in Billericay, Grays and Thurrock and claimed they’d quickly fallen ill.
Messages showed both Hayward and Kelly Bennett were sourcing puppies and placing adverts regularly, as well as showing that Ricky Bennett had taken payment for sales and witnesses had paid money into Foster’s bank account.
During police raids on properties used by the gang they found dogs with serious health conditions, along with dead puppies being kept in freezers.
Nine puppies were found living in a shed at the rear of the garden at Colliford Road, which were all seized.
One tested positive for parvovirus and later died but the others, who were suffering from Giardia and other health problems, made full recoveries and were rehomed.
At Weymouth Drive, officers found two adult spaniels, six cocker spaniel puppies and two dead spaniel puppies.
The litter of spaniel puppies tested positive for Giardia, a parasite that attacks the intestines.
Speaking following the court hearing, Inspector Vikki Dawe - from the RSPCA - said: “The heartbreaking reality of puppy farming is that the welfare of the puppies comes second to making money.
“The sums of money involved are just eye-watering; and it's another reminder of how unscrupulous this trade can be; and how dangerous poor breeding and trading practices are for dogs, pups and unsuspecting consumers.
“For anyone looking to buy a puppy, rather than adopt - we urge them to do their research, know the signs of an unscrupulous breeder and use tools such as the Puppy Contract to avoid becoming another victim of the puppy trade.”