Tag Archives: commercial exploitation – puppy farmers

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Lothians, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Livingston, West Lothian: Connor Stewart

July 22, 2026 misanthropic 1 Comment

A man wearing a bright pink hoodie sits on a light‑coloured couch. He has short light brown hair, a beard and tattoos on both hands and forearms. A plain white wall is behind him. — Connor James Stewart, who kept three dogs starving and living in extreme filth inside his Livingston flat.

Summary

Three dogs — Dobermans Ammo and Karma, and Staffie Kya — were found starving, dehydrated and living in extreme squalor inside Connor Stewart’s flat.

A severely damaged living room with a torn couch, scattered debris, broken items and heavy dirt across the floor, showing signs of long‑term neglect. — The living room inside Stewart’s flat — torn furniture, debris, filth and hazardous conditions where the dogs were forced to live.

Floors were thick with faeces, rooms soaked in urine, smashed glass scattered throughout, broken furniture everywhere, and shock collars charging in the kitchen.

A large brown dog lies on top of a man resting in bed under a red plaid blanket. The man has a beard and a tattooed arm. A grey headboard and small drawer unit are visible behind them.

Stewart fled with two dogs when confronted by inspectors. He was fined £200 and banned from owning animals for five years.

Offender Overview

Name: Connor James Stewart
Born: 30 November 1997
Age at Conviction: 28
Last Known Address: 19 Hazel Grove, Livingston EH54 5JW
Occupation: Backyard Doberman breeder; former director of The Tug Doctor 24/7 Recoveries Ltd (company now dissolved)
Previous Convictions: None known
Additional Information: Fled with two dogs during SSPCA intervention; deprivation order issued for Ammo and Karma

Incident Details

Scottish SPCA inspectors attended Stewart’s flat in December 2023 after concerns were raised about the welfare of three dogs in his care. The stench was detectable through the letterbox before entry.

Inside, inspectors found:

floors soaked in urine
thick layers of faeces, some moulding
smashed glass across rooms
broken furniture
shock collars charging in the kitchen
empty, bone‑dry food and water bowls

A young brown dog with tan markings sits on a tiled floor wearing a red collar and orange lead. Yellow containers and an office chair are visible in the background. — A Doberman puppy moments after being removed from Stewart’s flat — dehydrated, underweight and desperate for water.

Dobermans Ammo and Karma, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kya, were all underweight, dehydrated, and suffering from neglect. Ammo’s ribs and hips were clearly visible; nails were overgrown. Kya drank desperately when offered water.

Stewart arrived at the flat, removed two dogs, and fled — resulting in a deprivation order for Ammo and Karma. Kya was taken for veterinary care.

The SSPCA described the conditions as “some of the worst the inspector had found animals living in.”

Sentence

Court: Livingston Sheriff Court
Date: 15 July 2026
Penalty: £200 fine
Mitigation: None recorded
Disqualification: 5‑year ban on owning or keeping animals (expires July 2031)

Victims

Ammo

Breed: Doberman
Age: Unknown
Condition: Underweight, ribs and hips visible, overgrown nails
Fate: Subject to deprivation order

Karma

Breed: Doberman
Age: Unknown
Condition: Underweight, dehydrated
Fate: Subject to deprivation order

Kya

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Age: Unknown
Condition: Severely dehydrated, smelled strongly of urine and faeces
Fate: Taken into SSPCA care

Additional Information:

Fled with two dogs during SSPCA intervention; deprivation order issued.

A Facebook post by Connor Stewart promoting “Northern Strides Dog Walking & Training,” listing contact details and service areas for dog walking and training. — Stewart promoted dog‑walking services while neglecting his own dogs.

As recently as January 2026 he publicly advertised dog walking and training services (“Northern Strides Dog Walking & Training”) despite keeping his own dogs in squalid, starving conditions.

Edinburgh Reporter
STV News
Edinburgh News

Animal Abandonment, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Pet Profiteering, South Wales, Starvation / Malnutrition, Wales

Neath, Neath Port Talbot: Matthew Andrews

July 15, 2026 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2026) | backyard breeder Matthew Mark Andrews, born 9 May 1995, of Henry Street, Neath SA11 1PG – for severe animal starvation and neglect, resulting in the euthanasia of a pregnant dog.

Matthew Andrews from Neath, Wales, admitted severe animal neglect resulting in the euthanasia of his pregnant dog, Pandora. — Matthew Andrews is banned from owning animals for a decasde following his callous neglect of a dog who died from extreme emaciation and a twisted intestine.

In an RSPCA prosecution case, prolific backyard breeder Matthew Andrews pleaded guilty to failing to address the severe weight loss, chronic skin infection, and deteriorating condition of five-year-old Shar Pei-cross, Pandora.

Vets found Pandora completely emaciated with a body condition score of one out of five. Her muscle wasting was so severe that an advanced, near-term pregnancy of seven to nine puppies went completely unnoticed until a medical scan was performed.

Pandora underwent emergency surgery for a twisted intestine but had to be euthanised due to post-operative complications and her chronically weakened state, resulting in the loss of her unborn litter.

Following sentencing, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper said: “This is a very sad case with a tragic ending for Pandora and her puppies.

“All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and should have their needs met.”

Sentencing | 12-week custodial, suspended for 12 months; 20 days of ‘rehabilitation’; £400 prosecution costs. Disqualified from owning or keeping any type of animal for 10 years (expires July 2036).

Nation Cymru
Swansea Bay News

Animal Abandonment, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, North Wales, Pet Profiteering, Starvation / Malnutrition, Wales

Rhyl, Denbighshire: Alan Crawford

July 9, 2026 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2026) | backyard breeder Alan Crawford, born 9 April 1997, of South Kinmel Street, Rhyl LL18 1BU – starved and neglected a dog, leading to his death.

Police mugshot of animal abuser, woman beater and class A drug user Alan Crawford from Rhyl, Denbighshire, Wales.

On an unknown date Crawford, who goes by the nickname ‘Spud Crawford’, was handed a suspended 26-week prison sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog called Pablo. The charges were that he failed to provide the dog with a suitable diet and failed to protect him from pain, suffering, injury, or disease.

The dog did not survive.

animal abuser, woman beater and class A drug user Alan Crawford from Rhyl, Denbighshire, Wales. — Pablo

Crawford then breached his suspended sentence by committing further crimes.

Social media image of animal abuser, woman beater and class A drug user Alan Crawford from Rhyl, Denbighshire, Wales.

Crawford pleaded guilty to assault by beating against a woman, believed to be his own mother, on Vale Road, Rhyl. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of Class A drugs (cocaine and cannabis).

The court activated his original 26-week animal cruelty sentence and added 10 consecutive weeks for the new offences, resulting in a total jail term of 36 weeks. He has been banned from owning animals but the duration of this isn’t known.

Rhyl Journal

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Glasgow & West Scotland, Pet Profiteering, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Boarding Kennels, Dog Trainers, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Kirkmuirhill, South Lanarkshire: Gary and Eden Hopkins

June 30, 2026 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2026) | husband and wife Gary J Hopkins and Eden Samantha Hopkins, née Eden Edwards, with a last known address of Vanderlin Court, Kirkmuirhill, near Larkhall ML11 9ZL – operated a horrific illegal dog boarding business from their home.

Glasgow/Lanarkshire couple Eden and Gary Hopkins ran a "horrific" unlicensed dog boarding establishment from their home and mistreated animals in their care — Eden and Gary Hopkins ran a “horrific” unlicensed dog boarding establishment from their home and mistreated animals in their care.

A Scottish SPCA Inspector attended the Hopkins’ addresss in the village of Kirkmuirhill in July 2025 after being contacted by the owner of a 12-year-old lurcher named Monty.

The elderly pet had been returned to the woman in a state of distress, with huge open sores on his legs, and saturated in urine. Veterinary examination showed Monty’s hocks had infected wounds and been drastically swollen for several days.

Inside the property, the inspector discovered seven dogs kept in cramped, broken, and stacked cages with no bedding or access to water. The room was extremely warm and the dogs were panting heavily.

The inspector said: “I was absolutely shocked at what we saw and the conditions they we kept in. The dogs were petrified and cowering away. They had tried to cram as many dogs as possible into each cage.

“One cage had a doberman and a collie so badly confined their legs were tightly intertwined and they couldn’t move at all. The base of their cage was wet and sticky, and they had no access to water.

“Stacked on top, was another small cage containing a Staffordshire bull terrier. The dog’s head, nose and tail were touching the bars on all sides, he had no space to stand and turn.

“Another cage held four dogs. The environment was completely unsuitable, and it was horrific to see.”

When released from their cages, the pets were frantic. They passed copious amount of urine, indicating that they had been left in the cage for a long period of time.

The dogs were seized and taken to a Scottish SPCA centre . 

All were scanned for microchips, and six were returned to their owners. The remaining dog, a pug named Bella, belonged to the Hopkins. She was kept for ongoing treatment, and later signed into the care of the society.

The Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “Both showed complete disregard for the dogs in their care, causing them and their owners, significant distress and suffering.

“They showed the Hopkins cannot responsibly take care of their own dog, let alone run a dog boarding business.

Gary and Eden Hopkins pleaded guilty to breaching animal welfare legislation and were given a paltry two-year ban on owning or keeping dogs.

The Scottish SPCA inspector added: “While we welcome the sentencing, we are concerned that without a longer-term ban, they will go on to get other animals and subject them to similar circumstances.”

Sentencing |
Eden Hopkins: 60-day restriction of liberty order
Gary Hopkins: 160 hours of unpaid work.
Two-year ban in relation to dogs only (expires June 2028).

Scottish SPCA
Glasgow Times
STV News

Additional Information

Eden Hopkins is originally from Ayr and retains family links to the town (her parental home is in Caledonia Road, KA7 3HU.

The couple have also lived in Blairdardie, Glasgow G15 6JY and Yoker, Glasgow G14 0NE.

The couple, who are also believed to be backyard breeders, have shown little remorse for their shocking cruelty to helpless dogs and have apparently bragged that they will move to a new area and “start again”.

Animal Hoarding, Dogs, Pet Profiteering, South Wales, Wales, Worst of the Worst

Pontypool, Torfaen: Lynda Cooper

June 21, 2026 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2026) | Lynda Christine Cooper, born c. 1951, of Lower Race, Pontypool NP4 5UH – for illegal dog breeding and multiple animal cruelty offences.

Prosecution of Pontypool dog breeder and abuser Lynda Cooper for licensing offences and cruelty.

Cooper, who historically bred gundogs including pointers and Bracco Italianos under the kennel name Trosnant, pleaded guilty to 11 animal welfare offences.

In August 2024 a member of the public contacted Torfaen County Borough Council to report animal welfare concerns and suspected illegal breeding at Cooper’s premises.

RSPCA officers attended the address but were denied entry.

Torfaen council officers and a vet returned with a warrant, and found 41 dogs “in an appalling state”.

The puppies were malnourished, whilst several of the dogs were suffering with medical conditions including sores, swelling, and issues with their teeth.

They were also found to be living in unsuitable conditions.

The animals were removed from the property and given emergency veterinary treatment.

Tragically, five of the dogs had to be put down due to poor health, while a further two died months after being rehomed.

Checks revealed Cooper had been licensed to breed dogs between 2022 and 2023, but did not renew her licence so had been operating illegally for around two years.

There was also evidence that she attempted to mislead customers – changing dogs’ dates of birth, altering their chips, and selling cross-breed dogs as thoroughbreds.

Cooper admitted 10 counts of of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, as well as failing to undertake the welfare of animals she was responsible for, and carrying on a dog breeding business without a licence.

The court heard the defendant, of Lower Race, had one previous conviction for four offences.

Cooper’s defence counsel told the court that she had “spiralled” after suffering a bereavement.

“This was done, not out of deliberate or malicious intent, but out of neglect,” she said.

The court was told that things had got “out of hand”, but that “otherwise she had been a loving and good pet owner”.

Sentencing Cooper, Recorder Greg Bull KC told her“Your breeding without a licence took place over a period of two years – breaking every rule in the book”.

Sara Rosser, head of operations at Hope Rescue, who were involved in the rescue operation and care of the dogs, said: “‘This was one of the most challenging and distressing cases our experienced team have been involved in. Not only from the sheer number of dogs but also their condition.

“On arrival with us the dogs were in a devastating state – severely underweight, many suffering from advanced dental disease and chronic ear infections.”

Sentencing | 12-month custodial, suspended for two years; mental health treatment requirement; ordered to pay £10,000 in costs within 12 months. Banned from keeping dogs for 10 years (expires June 2036).

Torfaen County Borough Council

Dogs, England, Pet Profiteering, Physical Violence, South East England

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: Jordan Brown

June 13, 2026 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2026) | Jordan Jamal Brown, born c. 1995, of Kings Road, High Wycombe – repeatedly punched his dog.

Animal abuser Jordan Brown from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Backyard breeder Brown, who has a history of violent crime, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Storm. .

The offence was committed on June 29, 2025, at Brown’s home address.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work; 21 days of ‘rehabilitation’; 12-month mental health treatment requirement; £600 compensation and £80 costs. ONE-year ban on owning, keeping, or having any involvement in the care or control of dogs |(expires June 2027). The ban is suspended for 28 days to allow Brown time to make alternative arrangements for the other dogs in his ‘care’.

Bucks Free Press

Animal Hoarding, Cats, Dogs, Glasgow & West Scotland, Pet Profiteering, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Ayr, South Ayrshire: Claire Lammie

June 4, 2026 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2026) | Claire Lammie, born c. 1983, of School Gardens, Ayr KA8 9TN – kept 20 animals including newborn kittens and puppies in squalor.

Lammie pleaded guilty to offences under animal welfare legislation.

The case came to light in July 2025 after a Police Scotland officer raised concerns about the welfare of animals at the property and contacted the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline.

When a Scottish SPCA Inspector attended the address, they discovered what was described as an extremely unhygienic environment, with household rubbish, food waste, animal faeces and urine throughout the property.

Upstairs, officers found 11 Rottweiler cross puppies inside a large crate. The puppies were reported to be wet and visibly trembling.

Elsewhere in the house, a mother cat and her six kittens, believed to be only a few days old, were discovered living inside a plastic box.

Police officers at the scene reported that the animals had no access to food or water and provided both immediately after entering the property.

The Scottish SPCA Inspector said the conditions inside the house were among the worst they had encountered.

“There was a very strong odour throughout the property. There were piles of faeces within most rooms, and the floors were heavily stained with urine and faeces, attracting a large number of flies,” the Inspector said.

“The room the kittens were in was unclean and stained with birthing fluids.”

In total, one adult dog, 11 puppies, four cats and six kittens were removed from the property and taken for veterinary treatment.

Veterinary examinations revealed that four of the puppies and one adult cat were underweight and had a body condition score of just 3 out of 9.

The Scottish SPCA welcomed the outcome.

A spokesperson said: “We are pleased with the Sheriff’s decision. Lammie kept these animals in an extremely unhygienic environment and showed complete disregard for their wellbeing, causing them significant unnecessary pain and suffering.”

Sentencing | a three-year ban on owning and keeping animals (expires June 2029).

Ayrshire Daily News
Daily Record

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Mid & West Wales, Pet Profiteering, Unfit Living Conditions, Wales

Puncheston, Pembrokeshire: Rachel Roberts

May 23, 2026 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2026) | Rachel C Roberts, aka Rachel Smallwood, from Puncheston, Haverfordwest SA62 – bred and sold dogs without a licence and neglected the animals’ needs.

Prosecution of iunlicensed puppy farmer Rachel Roberts from Puncheston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire for illegal breeding and animal welfare offences.

Farm owner Roberts was ordered by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court to pay £99,463.35 in costs after 26 dogs were removed from her property due to animal welfare and illegal breeding concerns

Following a complex investigation, Pembrokeshire County Council officers and a local authority veterinarian executed a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 due to serious concerns for the health of the animals in her care.

The court heard that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without a proper license.

The animals were kept in poor environmental conditions, missed correct vaccinations, and lacked adequate management for their welfare needs

A total of 20 adult dogs and sux puppies were permanently signed over to the council for rehoming. The breeds included dachshunds, cocker spaniels, poodles, chihuahuas, jack russells, lurchers, and a collie

In 2025, Roberts was reportedly investigated by the RSPCA after concerns were raised about the welfare of horses on her farm (she trades as Greenacres Stud). The outcome of the investigation isn’t known.

A member of the public also contacted the Pembrokeshire Herald to allege that they had witnessed a person staying at Roberts’ farm dragging a horse by his neck using a tractor.

The same individual provided a video and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

Sentencing | ordered to pay the full costs incurred by the local authority, totalling £99,463.35, within 28 days. Not banned from keeping animals.

Pembrokeshire County Council
Pembrokeshire Herald
Western Telegraph

Additional Information

In October 2025 Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, who lives in Banbury, Oxfordshire, was given a three-month suspended prison sentence and banned from owning dogs for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident on March 26, 2025, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two unregistered XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi owned by Roberts.

Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

Dogs, England, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, South West England, Unfit Living Conditions

Plympton, Plymouth: Ellie-Mae Barton

May 16, 2026 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2026) | Ellie-Mae Barton, born c. 2003, of Elder Close, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2GG – sold puppies illegally on Facebook and failed to care for them properly.

Puppy dealer Ellie-Mae Barton from Plymouth, Devon. — Ellie-Mae Barton (Facebook)

Mother-of-one Barton pleaded guilty to operating as an unlicenced breeder. She was prosecuted following a joint investigation by the RSPCA and Plymouth City Council in relation to her dog breeding/trading business, ‘Pretty Frenchies’.

Barton first came to the attention of the council in October 2023 when they were tipped off about her illicit activities by a member of the public.

The council contacted Barton to discuss allegations that she was breeding dogs without a licence, but she failed to respond.

The RSPCA then received complaints about the health of puppies being bred by Barton, and the joint investigation was launched.

Barton “extensively advertised” litters of puppies for sale, and the RSPCA found people who bought puppies from her said there were “complicated co-breeding arrangements”.

The arrangements saw dogs given to third parties for day-to-day care, but Barton retained control over breeding decisions and benefited financially from sales.

In June 2025, the council obtained a warrant to inspect Barton’s premises. They found multiple dogs in cages, including a heavily pregnant bitch in a dirty whelping area, as well as other dogs wandering around the property.

Barton was interviewed under caution but gave ‘no comment’ responses. She was then issued a penalty notice for unlicensed dog breeding.

While “initially cooperative”, she failed to pay the fine and was summoned to court.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a good result for our licensing team.

“This was a deliberate, organised, and financially motivated illegal dog breeding business operating over a period of approximately two and a half years. The defendant prioritised financial gain while avoiding regulatory scrutiny and safeguards designed to protect animal welfare and I’m pleased they will no longer be able to continue.”

Sentencing | ten days of rehabilitation activity; ordered to pay an £80 fine and £3,911 in investigation and legal costs. Banned from selling dogs as a business for ten years (expires May 2036).

PlymouthLive

Animal Abandonment, Animal Hoarding, Dogs, England, Lifers, Pet Profiteering, Psychological Abuse, South East England, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions, Worst of the Worst

Hove, East Sussex: Chloe Cooper

May 14, 2026 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2026) | backyard breeder Chloe Cooper, aka Chloe Albert, born c. 2002, formerly of James Street in Gillingham, Kent ME7, and now of Sunninghill Close in Hove BN3 8JD – left starving dogs, including four puppies, in atrocious conditions; FOUR dogs put to sleep as a result of her neglect.

Dog killer. RSPCA prosecution of Chloe Cooper, previously of Gillingham, Kent and now of Hove, East Sussex - abandoned multiple dogs with four put to sleep as a result of her neglect.

Mother-of-two Cooper is banned from keeping animals for life after nine dogs were discovered living in “incredibly poor” conditions surrounded by rotting food, urine and faeces.

The RSPCA launched an investigation after Cooper took an emaciated presa canario, Storm, in a collapsed state to a vet practice in March 2025.

The dog had to be put to sleep after she was deemed too unwell to be saved..

While enquiries were ongoing, the charity received additional reports that other dogs had been left unattended at Cooper’s then home in Gillingham.

In her witness statement, RSPCA animal rescue officer Portia Mearns said: “As soon as the door opened and we entered, there was an immediate smell of rotting food, as well as urine and faeces.

“The property was also extremely dirty, with what looked like mud and faeces smeared into the furniture, walls and flooring.”

Four puppies were found in a crate, which was covered in faeces, with no water and unsuitable food. They had a body condition score of one out of nine.

ARO Mearns added: “We could hear a number of dogs barking at the back of the property. Police then found more dogs locked in the kitchen.

“When looking up[stairs] we could see a dog lead tied from the landing bannister to what we now know to be the bathroom door. This was very tight.

“We unhooked the lead and began opening the door slowly, as we were told there was potentially a rottweiler behind the door. We were hit by a strong smell of urine and faeces again.

“We then created a gap big enough for my phone and hand to fit through so I could take a photo of the room before we opened the door. On the other side of the door, I saw an emaciated rottweiler collapsed.

“He had a body condition score of zero out of nine. I then began to physically shake due to the shock of seeing such an emaciated dog.

“[He] could barely even lift his head and tried to stand but couldn’t. There was a thick white discharge coming from his left eye and he was extremely lethargic.

“[We carried] him immediately to my van as he needed immediate veterinary treatment.”

Very sadly, the rottweiler, named Blaze, had to be put to sleep to end his suffering.

A German shepherd called Shadow, a presa canario called Coda, a crossbreed called Missy, a cocker spaniel called Raven, and the four puppies were moved into RSPCA kennels.

Due to serious behavioural challenges with Shadow and Coda, they were later put to sleep as they were not considered to be safe for rehoming.

Missy, Raven and the puppies have all since been adopted from the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre.

Cooper pleaded guilty to two offences of failing to meet the needs of dogs in her care.

In mitigation, the court heard she had been “struggling” at the time due to “an abusive relationship”.

Sentencing | eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years; £450 costs. Disqualified from keeping animals for life,

Kent Online
Companion Life

UK Animal Cruelty Files

Tag Archives: commercial exploitation – puppy farmers

Livingston, West Lothian: Connor Stewart

Summary

Offender Overview

Incident Details

Sentence

Victims

Ammo

Karma

Kya

Additional Information:

Neath, Neath Port Talbot: Matthew Andrews

CONVICTED (2026) | backyard breeder Matthew Mark Andrews, born 9 May 1995, of Henry Street, Neath SA11 1PG – for severe animal starvation and neglect, resulting in the euthanasia of a pregnant dog.

Rhyl, Denbighshire: Alan Crawford

CONVICTED (2026) | backyard breeder Alan Crawford, born 9 April 1997, of South Kinmel Street, Rhyl LL18 1BU – starved and neglected a dog, leading to his death.

Kirkmuirhill, South Lanarkshire: Gary and Eden Hopkins

CONVICTED (2026) | husband and wife Gary J Hopkins and Eden Samantha Hopkins, née Eden Edwards, with a last known address of Vanderlin Court, Kirkmuirhill, near Larkhall ML11 9ZL – operated a horrific illegal dog boarding business from their home.

Additional Information

Pontypool, Torfaen: Lynda Cooper

CONVICTED (2026) | Lynda Christine Cooper, born c. 1951, of Lower Race, Pontypool NP4 5UH – for illegal dog breeding and multiple animal cruelty offences.

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: Jordan Brown

CONVICTED (2026) | Jordan Jamal Brown, born c. 1995, of Kings Road, High Wycombe – repeatedly punched his dog.

Ayr, South Ayrshire: Claire Lammie

CONVICTED (2026) | Claire Lammie, born c. 1983, of School Gardens, Ayr KA8 9TN – kept 20 animals including newborn kittens and puppies in squalor.

Puncheston, Pembrokeshire: Rachel Roberts

CONVICTED (2026) | Rachel C Roberts, aka Rachel Smallwood, from Puncheston, Haverfordwest SA62 – bred and sold dogs without a licence and neglected the animals’ needs.

Additional Information

Plympton, Plymouth: Ellie-Mae Barton

CONVICTED (2026) | Ellie-Mae Barton, born c. 2003, of Elder Close, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2GG – sold puppies illegally on Facebook and failed to care for them properly.

Hove, East Sussex: Chloe Cooper

CONVICTED (2026) | backyard breeder Chloe Cooper, aka Chloe Albert, born c. 2002, formerly of James Street in Gillingham, Kent ME7, and now of Sunninghill Close in Hove BN3 8JD – left starving dogs, including four puppies, in atrocious conditions; FOUR dogs put to sleep as a result of her neglect.

We collate data on animal cruelty convictions in the UK