CONVICTED (2017) | puppy farmer Robert George Fishwick, born 23/10/1972, of D’Urton Lane, Broughton, near Preston PR3
Fishwick admitted five offences under the Animal Welfare Act of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide a suitable environment for the animals.
The RSPCA launched an investigation into the puppy dealer after a number of complaints about sick puppies from his customers.
RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson, who led the investigation, said: “We had a number of complaints about this individual and address in 2016 and began gathering evidence.
“Then, when more complaints came through in March, we were able to go to police and request a warrant.”
RSPCA officers joined Lancashire Police as they executed a warrant at the address in Broughton, Preston, on 30 March 2017. While there were no puppies present on the day, they found 13 adult dogs being kept in unsuitable conditions.
“There weren’t any puppies there on the day we went in but we found 13 dogs of different ages and genders being kept at the site. We suspect these are the dogs he used for breeding,” inspector Larsson added.
“All the dogs were being kept in filthy, damp conditions – some in makeshift, muddy outside runs and others in cold, concrete pens inside outbuildings.
“Several of the dogs were considerably underweight with their ribs clearly visible while others had serious health problems such as skin conditions and ear infections.
“We also found paperwork at the property which showed the scale of Mr Fishwick’s puppy-selling operation. Just one receipt book which was seized detailed sales covering a period of four months and totalling more than £50,000 meaning he was making around £12,000 a month from selling dogs.”
Two French bulldogs, one beagle, three Alsatians, one Doberman and several miniature-type dogs were all removed on welfare grounds.
Sadly a three-year-old French bulldog, adult French bulldog and an Alsatian were put to sleep due to having dislocated kneecaps and serious skin complaints.
in court RSPCA prosecutor Paul Ridehalgh described the property as being in a “horrendous” condition, with a sharp tin can found in one kennel.
He added: ” Many of the dogs had little or no access to water and there was little evidence of food. It appeared to the officer that all the dogs encountered appeared hungry and were in various conditions of ill health. Enclosures were unclean and littered with dog excrement, one enclosure was too small for the dog and the animals had no access to food or water.
“There were a large number of dogs present with one small puppy inside a room off the kitchen area with the remaining dogs in a small makeshift kennel at the entrance to the site.
“It appeared all the rooms had been used at one time as the building smelt heavily of urine and dog faeces with dog faeces scattered around various rooms.
“There was evidence of chewed wooden doors and skirting boards throughout. It was also noted there were large piles of wet sawdust shavings in and around all the doors as if they had been swept out of the building.
Fishwick claimed he had taken rescue dogs on and denied breeding for profit.
Sentencing: 17-week jail term, suspended for a year, with 12 months of supervision and £160 costs. Banned from owning or keeping animals for five years (expired October 2022).