CONVICTED (2021) | James Awdry, born 25 April 1981, previously of Jubilee Villa, Lydney Road, Bream and now Hill View, Bicknor Street, Coleford GL16 7PH – kept flea-infested dogs in filthy cages.
James Awdry, who is the son of puppy farmer and convicted animal abuser Jeremy Awdry, was prosecuted by Forest of Dean District Council following an inspection of the home he shares with his father in January 2020.
Council staff found a Labrador and a spaniels “housed in an old chiller unit at the rear of an open garage that was in a filthy and unhygienic condition, with no natural light and poor ventilation.”
Three other spaniels were found in small cages at the front of the property.
Awdry had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing in September 2020 to two charges of failing to provide for an animal’s needs and one charge of causing unnecessary suffering but later changed his pleas to guilty and was ordered to pay a total of £3,866 in fines and costs.
The prosecution was brought by the Forest of Dean District Council Street Warden Team with the assistance of the Counter Fraud Unit and the Council’s legal team.
“The Street Warden Team and Gloucestershire Constabulary attended the home address of Mr Awdry’s father on the 14th of January 2020 on the execution of a warrant. The Counter Fraud Unit and Street Warden Team then conducted an investigation into allegations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“Two dogs, a spaniel and a black Labrador, were found housed in an old chiller unit at the rear of an open garage that was in a filthy and unhygienic condition, with no natural light and poor ventilation. Three other spaniels were also found in small cages at the front of the property.
“It was deemed by the Street Warden Team that the basic needs of the animals had not been provided for. The spaniel kept in the chiller unit was found to have an infestation of biting lice and a fungal infection in her ears, along with a patch of raw skin on her chest causing her unnecessary discomfort and suffering.
“Awdry had failed to provide a suitable environment for his dogs to live in and failed to protect them from suffering and disease.”
CONVICTED (2021) | Sarah Poppleton from the village of Drybrook, Forest of Dean – banned from keeping dogs for just two years despite neglecting her pet dog’s “urgent” health needs.
Sarah Poppleton failed to address her pet dog’s severe dental problems and allowed her to become overweight and infested with fleas.
Sarah Poppleton was prosecuted by Forest of Dean District Council after her border collie Tilly was found “crawling” with fleas, “critically” overweight and in desperate need of dental work.
Poppleton failed to attend court to answer charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, but the case was heard and proven in her absence.
She was sentenced on October 20, 2021.
Tilly was originally signed over by Poppleton to the Forest of Dean Dog Rescue, who later notified the district council’s Street Warden Team of the condition of the dog.
She was found to be in poor condition with “an overwhelming smell” coming from her mouth.
After receiving veterinary care, Tilly underwent urgent dental work, requiring 20 teeth to be extracted.
It later transpired that Poppleton was advised 12 months prior to the surrendering of Tilly that dental work was required, but “failed to take steps” to seek veterinary attention.
The council said this delay “would have caused suffering to the dog”.
Poppleton “did show remorse” at sentencing and explained at court that she had experienced changes in her personal circumstances, which had “significantly contributed” to her inability to care for the dog.
The prosecution was undertaken by Forest of Dean District Council’s Legal Services team, working with the Street Wardens Team and Counter Fraud Unit (CFU).
Sentencing: ordered to pay a total of £707 in fines. Disqualified from keeping or looking after dogs for two years (expires October 2023).
CONVICTED (2021) | Anthony Williams aka Chang Williams, born 13 November 1990, of 4 The Stables, Southend Lane, Newent GL18 1JD – caught illegally hunting hares.
Tree-surgeon Williams, owner of Landscapes Plus Ltd (Facebook page here, website here, was caught illegally hunting for hares on Cotswold farmland on New Year’s Day 2021.
He was accompanied by two boys when he went hare coursing on a private estate near Cirencester.
“He entered the farm land in the Cotswolds during the hours of darkness while accompanied by the two boys,” said a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson.
“Williams then encouraged his lurcher-type dogs to hunt hares on the land, otherwise known as hare coursing.
“The crime was being watched by the gamekeeper of the private estate near Cirencester and he immediately called 999. Police officers quickly arrived and the man and two boys were arrested at the scene. Their vehicle and the dogs were also seized.
“The two boys were dealt with separately by a Youth Offending Team, but Mr Williams was summonsed to court for his actions.
“The court heard how Williams’ crime was premeditated. He had subjected numerous hares to cruelty and caused the land owner and gamekeeper distress.
“Williams was convicted of the offence under the 2004 Hunting Act and was ordered to pay a fine of £1713.00 within 28 days.”
CONVICTED (2021) | Paul Fowler, born c. 1981, from Matson in Gloucester – seen attacking his dog in public on multiple occasions
Fowler was seen attacking English Bull Terrier Jawzie by a member of the public, who reported the incident to police.
Officers were called to the Matson area where they seized the dog under the Animal Welfare Act before she was taken to kennels.
Jawzie was checked by a vet where it was discovered that she had other injuries thought to be caused by abuse.
She was rehomed at Christmas and is now being properly cared for by a family who has owned dogs for a number of years.
Fowler pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Police say the incident has led to other witness accounts of similar abuse by Fowler.
Investigating officer Phil Powles, of Gloucestershire Police, said: “There was lots of social media attention about the incident, so much so that a woman contacted us as she had seen Fowler beating his dog months earlier in Kings Walk.
“In total we had six witnesses to Fowler’s actions and we hope that this conviction shows how we will not tolerate animal abuse here in Gloucestershire.”
Sentencing: two-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. Lifetime ban on owning animals
CONVICTED (2021) | “Cruel, neglectful and greedy” puppy farmers Andrew Leigh Bateman, born 23 September 1980, partner Kelly Marie Busby, born 2 May 1988, both formerly of Cwmann, Lampeter, Wales but now at the Yarcombe Inn, Honiton, Devon EX14 9BD, and Jeremy Paul Awdry, born c. 1948, of Jubilee Villa, Lydney Road, Bream, Lydney GL15 6EN – for offences of cruelty and neglect of puppies they bred.
Cruel and greedy puppy farmers Kelly Busby, Andrew Bateman (red tie) and Jeremy Awdry are banned from keeping dogs indefinitely following a successful local authority prosecution
Puppy farmers Andrew Bateman, Kelly Busby and Jeremy Awdry have been banned from keeping dogs for life after a judge branded their shoddy breeding business an “exercise of cruelty and neglect, hallmarked by greed”.
Bateman and Busby, who had a breeding licence for West Wales but not Forest of Dean, advertised “home bred” puppies online, but the dogs they supplied were from Awdry’s puppy farm in Bream where the environment was one of filth, chaos and neglect.
Dogs were kept in cages which were exposed to the elements or dark and unlit while faeces were left to accumulate
Prosecutor Greg Gordon told the court “Adverts for puppies were placed on three websites; Gumtree, Pets4Homes and Freeads and these created a false impression – that the sellers were fully licensed and that the puppies were raised in a caring and friendly home and were in good health.
“However none of this was true. The conditions that the puppies were kept in were squalid and they were poorly looked after.
“They were not being brought up in caring environment and none of the defendants were licensed to sell puppies in the Forest of Dean.”
Following numerous complaints from members of the public, officers from Forest of Dean District Council visited the site and took photographs of the shocking conditions.
Officer found a black Labrador puppy of around three months inside a cage kept in an open-fronted garage. The cage had no bedding and was placed on the concrete floor. There was no food, an empty bowl and a large amount of faeces.
That puppy was seized by the officers and was re-homed after being signed over to the Council.
Another two dogs were kept in complete darkness in a garage and when the officers entered they were “overcome with the smell of urine.” The floor was filthy and the puppies had a little water but no bedding or food.
Adult dogs were found in open-air cages surrounded by chicken remains, pieces raw meat and large quantities of rubbish.
Jeremy Awdry
Mr Gordon described how potential purchasers arriving at Jubilee Villa “were greeted with a property that was in a sorry state. One of the witnesses stated that they should have turned away there and then as there was a vast amount of poo and wee on the floor in the kitchen where the puppies were.
“Another witness said they were uncomfortable with dogs being kept in small kennels. The puppies were constantly barking. A further witness was so shocked by the conditions that although she had only intended to buy one puppy she felt she had to return to buy the other puppy to get it out of those terrible conditions.”
The prosecutor said that there was a long list of complaints from purchasers as the puppies were often ill with diarrhoea and other medical issues when they took them home.
Mr Gordon added: “One puppy died shortly after being purchased from Awdry, while others racked up significant vet bills.
“Awdry promised the purchasers that they had four weeks’ vet insurance. This was never registered and Kennel Club registration paperwork proved to be false and inaccurate. Microchips were badly implanted into the puppies by Awdry.”
A veterinary expert described the site as “harbouring a range of pathogenic diseases that can cause significant illnesses in dogs and humans.”
The expert also criticised the “small, bland environment”, the lack of clean comfortable bedding or toys and the lack of “enrichment” with the consequence that the puppies could develop behavioural difficulties.
During interview, Awdry admitted that he dipped dogs in chemicals as he did with his sheep.
The court heard the three defendants had earned around £90,000 in four years from puppy farming.
Clive Rees, for Awdry, told the court : “The council officials visited the day after the roof had blown off the chicken shed which is why there were so many remains around.
“Awdry has spent £3,000 on building new kennels, but it appears this has been a waste of time if he is to be banned from keeping dogs in the future.
“He is remorseful, even if he hasn’t shown it to the officers.”
Andrew Bateman and Kelly Busby, who are both bankrupt, are now believed to be running a pub in Honiton, Devon
Christian Jowett, for Bateman, said: “He has now lost his business and is moving to England to seek employment. He has had to sell their legitimate puppies in West Wales to comply with the impending ban on owning dogs.”
Kate Williams, for Busby, said: “She feels she has let her family down over this situation. She has been hit hard financially as she has now lost her home and was made bankrupt last year. She also takes issue with some of the allegations made.”
The three defendants each admitted three offences of failing to meet an animal’s needs. Awdry also admitted three offences of selling a dog without a licence in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Judge Ian Lawrie QC told them: “All three of you wanted to make money from this venture. None of you were concerned about the welfare of the animals. I am at a loss how you could have kept this up for such a lengthy period of time.
“You may not have set out to be cruel, but it was your ongoing neglect that was cruel. The dogs were in your care.
“This was a contrived exercise of cruelty and neglect hallmarked by greed. You each had different roles but were all negligent in the animals’ welfare as you were more concerned about making money.
“It is clear that when there were sales, the promised veterinary insurance was never registered.”
The prosecution was brought by officers in the Street Warden Team and the Counter Fraud Unit (CFU) with the assistance of the Forest of Dean council’s legal team.
PC Cath McDay from the rural crime team at Coleford Police station assisted in obtaining a warrant to inspect the premises.
Sentencing: 19-week custodial sentence suspended for two years; ordered to each pay £3,478 towards court costs and £2,901 compensation and a £115 victim surcharge.
Awdry also received a 7pm to 7am curfew order for six months; Bateman and Busby were ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
All three were banned from owning dogs indefinitely.
In March 2019 Jeremy Awdry received compensation after having dozens of his sheep seized by police and the local authority.
Around 55 of Awdry’s sheep were taken from two disputed locations in Bream under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, which allows the impounding of sheep “at any time found at large in any street”.
However, a judge ruled the animals should not have been taken.
Ten years earlier Awdry was given a five-year Asbo (repeatedly breached), banning his flock from Bream, after his sheep were reportedly straying into gardens and damaging fences.
Following his conviction for dog cruelty and illegal breeding, several locals have alleged that Awdry also neglects his sheep.
One local said: “He has at least sixty free roaming sheep which has not, as far as I can see, been reported on. These sheep are not in the best condition, as you can imagine. He also has his own collies he uses to round them up etc. I don’t know if he still has the dogs, but if not it will make any kind of shepherding almost impossible.
“[Awdry] is not a nice character and is always in a battle with the police, council etc.
“The sheep have to be registered, and due to his bad husbandry and disregard he has registered them in his son’s name[James Awdry]. He’s as bad as his father.
“I just feel that his sheep are now a matter for concern. They are in lamb and need extra food etc, not just grass, which is in short supply this time of year.”
News and Updates
Address for Bateman and Busby as of 18 May 2021: 22 Norburton Burton Bradstock BRIDPORT Dorset DT6 4QL
They have taken over two fast-food kiosks in the West Bay area of Bridport: the West Bay and Ships Galley. Busby recently advertised for staff on Facebook:
UKACF FB post 27 April 2021
PuppyFarmersExposed | On the move and still at it. Now in Bridport, Dorset Andrew Bateman and Kelly Busby, previously of Cwmann, #Lampeter, Wales, were banned from keeping dogs for life in February 2021 after investigators uncovered a litany of animal cruelty and neglect by the money-grubbing pair and their notorious accomplice, Jeremy Awdry of Bream in Gloucestershire.
The financially and morally bankrupt couple have been on the move ever since, initially settling in Honiton, Devon, where they were to be the new tenants of the Yarcombe Inn. Following an outcry by locals that offer was withdrawn and they upped sticks again.
We have now heard from several different sources – all reliable – that they have taken over management of a fish & chip business in West Bay, Bridport, Dorset.
“Well at least they’re now earning an honest living!” we hear you cry. If only. Unfortunately there is an abundance of evidence to suggest that they have continued to source and sell puppies and their ‘respectable’ cash-based business will be no more than a useful front for their cruel and shoddy dealings.
We have heard that Bateman’s cruelty towards dogs went far beyond neglect and actually veered more towards the violent and sadistic. This man should not be allowed within 10 feet of a dog or any animal. He, and all others like him, must be put out of the pet-selling business for good.
Jeremy Awdry has finally been sent to prison after admitting breaching the order not to keep dogs.
Shortly after his conviction in February 2021, information was received that Awdry was still in possession of dogs at his premises and was in breach of the disqualification order. The matter was investigated by the officers from the street warden and counter fraud teams at Forest of Dean District Council.
On two separate occasions, Awdry was witnessed flouting that ban – by council officers and Gloucestershire Police.
He was seen to be either in control of dogs, or transporting them in his van, both of which constitute a breach of the banning order.
Appearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on February 1, 2022, Awdry pleaded guilty to two offences of breaching the disqualification imposed on him. He was sentenced to 25 weeks’ imprisonment: three weeks for each of the charges and 19 weeks imposed in relation to the suspended sentence. Full costs were also awarded to the council.
Forest of Dean District Council’s animal welfare member champion, Councillor Nicky Packer said: “Our street warden team does a fantastic job year round of ensuring that animals in our district are looked after properly, and that those who mistreat or cause harm to their animals are held accountable.
“Today’s verdict should stand as testament to this. A ban on keeping dogs means exactly that. If, as in this case, it isn’t followed, our street warden and counter fraud and enforcement team will enforce it.”
CONVICTED (2020) | Anthony (Tony) Curtis, born c. 1961, of Kerrin Farm, Kerrin Lane, Lydney GL15 6PL – a serial abuser of livestock
Anthony Curtis pleaded guilty to 25 animal welfare offences and was given a lifetime ban on keeping livestock. The ban will take effect from January 2021 to allow Curtis time to test his cattle for tuberculosis and pass on their ownership.
The charges were brought by Gloucestershire County Council’s trading standards service.
Cows were living in deep mud and being fed mouldy hay
Councillor Dave Norman, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “In this case not only did the farmer fail to care properly for his livestock, but on several occasions he also showed little regard for the cleanliness and hygiene of animals which were intended for the human food chain.
“Members of the public are entitled to expect that locally produced food is farmed to a high standard of welfare and hygiene.
“Our officers work hard to ensure that farmers maintain these standards and take action such as this where necessary.”
Trading standards officers first visited Kerrin Farm in February 2019 following reports Curtis was keeping animals in terrible conditions and failing to adequately dispose of animal carcasses.
Curtis was cautioned for similar offences in 2017.
Officers found roughly 30 ducks living in cold, damp and squalid conditions, littered with the carcasses of around 60 other birds. On a later visit, they discovered ducks were fed stale bread with lumps of plastic inside.
Further offences Curtis committed included:
Cattle were kept in a field littered with broken gates and timber with protruding nails.
Pigs, cattle and ducks did not have water or a dry lying area
Cattle were housed in deep muck and had to wade through liquid slurry to get to their feed, which was mouldy hay
Hen houses had not been cleared out for a long time; hens were fed in filthy troughs and were laying eggs in dirty nesting boxes
Officers also found the carcass of a calf which had not been covered
Curtis said his ill health left him unable to care for his stock.
A number of ducks and poultry were rehoused by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, who confirmed that Curtis had failed in his duty of care to the ducks.
Sentencing: conditional discharge; £185 towards costs. banned from keeping livestock for life.
CONVICTED (2019) | Ottilie Smith, born 7 June 1986, and James Gardner, born October 1981, both of Gibson Close, Stroud GL5 1HZ – failed to treat their dog’s severe skin condition.
Convicted animal abusers Ottilie Smith and Jamie Gardner from Stroud, Glos
Self-employed cleaner Ottilie Smith and partner Jamie Gardner had not sought treatment for nine-year-old Mastiff Scrum’s significant skin problems.
A concerned member of the public reported the dog’s condition to the RSPCA and inspectors who attended the house ordered the couple to take Scrum for treatment – warning them about the consequences if they did not comply.
Prosecutor Kevin Withey told the crown court: “When the officers returned to the couple’s home they noticed the dog had not been treated and seized it.
“They took the dog to one of their veterinary specialists who examined the animal and said it was underweight and was suffering from alopecia and other skin ailments.
“The RSPCA funded the animal’s treatment, enabling its full recovery.”
Smith and Gardner had been convicted of animal cruelty by Cheltenham Magistrates Court at an earlier hearing in September 2019 but they lodged an appeal to the crown court against the sentence and they refused to sign over the dog so that the RSPCA could rehome him.
Scrum after being nursed back to health by the RSPCA
The court was told on Friday 6 December 2019, however, that the pair had dispensed with the services of their lawyer and had failed to turn up themselves to pursue the appeal.
The Judge, Recorder Adam Vaitilingham QC, then proceeded to hear the appeal in their absence.
He and two JP members of his bench concluded that the sentence imposed by the magistrates was appropriate and dismissed the appeal.
The court also formally assigned ownership of Scrum to the RSPCA.
Sentencing: ordered to pay £1,200 compensation and £100 each towards the appeal costs. Banned from keeping domestic animals for just two years (expired December 2021).
CONVICTED (2019) | horse abusers Tanya Michelle Taylor, born 28 April 1966, of Oak Crest, Stoney Road, Kilcot, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1PB, and Jeffrey Frederick Taylor, born 8 September 1968, of Uxbridge Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2EY
Tallie was neglected by Tanya and Jeffrey Taylor formerly of The White House in Drybrook, Gloucester, and had to be euthanised.
Horse Tallie was found in an appalling condition due to neglect by her owners Tanya and Jeffrey Taylor.
Tallie was treated by Three Counties Hospital for multiple health issues in December 2017 but was too poorly and had to be euthanized.
A prosecution was brought against the Taylors by Forest of Dean District Council’s legal team following an investigation and the pair were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to Tallie.
In his summing up, the Magistrate said: “Tallie could not have been saved by early vet intervention, but it could have reduced her suffering.
“We find you jointly responsible for her care, and jointly responsible for failing to seek treatment for her, which caused her unnecessary suffering.”
Sentencing | ordered to pay fines totalling £1,010 and court costs of £800.No ban.
CONVICTED (2019) | Derrick Daniel Dawkins, born 1962, of Clement Street, Tredworth, Gloucester GL1 4JW – left two dogs outside continuously during the ‘Beast from East’ snowstorm.
Derrick Daniel Dawkins
Bull terriers Dessa and Diesel were found in a snow-covered yard without shelter as temperatures dropped below freezing. One of the dogs was tethered by a chain and had become entangled. Both had untreated painful lesions and sores on their legs and bodies.
Callous Derrick Daniel Dawkins from Gloucester left two dogs outside during the freezing Beast from the East snowstorm of winter 2018
Now the dogs’ cruel owner Derrick Daniel Dawkins, has been given a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping any animal for 10 years.
Investigating RSPCA Inspector Phil Mann said: “As temperatures dropped below zero and snow covered the country, Dessa and Diesel were outside day and night without appropriate shelter.
“When I saw them locked outside, I feared that if I didn’t help them straight away there would have been two dead dogs in the following morning.
“Simply leaving pets outside to fend for themselves without shelter should never be seen as an option.
“Dogs must have constant access to a suitable shelter, and owners should also ensure bedding and sleeping areas are warm, dry and away from any draughts.
“It is shocking that Dawkins left these dogs outside during such horrendous conditions and even more heartbreaking to discover they had been left to suffer with painful, untreated sores.”
Dessa and Diesel have both now recovered from their ordeal while in the care of the team at the Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home.
The team is working with Diesel to prepare him for rehoming, whereas the RSPCA has said five-year-old Dessa is already looking for a special someone to give her a second chance.
Beautiful Dessa has recovered from her ordeal at the hands of Derrick Daniel Dawkins and is looking forward to being spoiled in a loving new home
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Dessa loves nothing more than spending time with people and playing with toys.
“She would be best suited to a home with no other animals or children and is looking for an experienced owner with time and patience.
“She hasn’t had as much life experience and can find new environments overwhelming, although she is slowly learning that it is okay to snuggle up on the sofa.”
Sentencing | 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. £750 in court costs. Banned from keeping any animal for ten years.
CONVICTED (2019) | Zoe Powell, born 26 March 1976, of Bellevue Road, Ruardean GL17 9UY – for severe neglect of an underweight American bulldog found with sore patches on his ears and body.
Forest of Dean District Council prosecuted Zoe Powell after her American bulldog, Beethoven, was found straying. He was in poor condition, underweight and covered in sore patches.
Mother-of-two Zoe Powell failed to feed her dog Beethoven properly and left him to suffer with sore patches all over his body and ears.
Veterinary reports later confirmed that Beethoven was underweight for a dog of his size and breed and that there was no medical cause for the weight loss; the only conclusion to be drawn was that his condition was due to lack of adequate nutrition.
The sores on his body were thought to be pressure sores caused by lack of muscle and body fat when Beethoven was lying down.
Beethoven has recovered well from his neglect at the hands of his previous owner Zoe Powell from Ruardean
Forest of Dean District Councillor Tim Gwilliam, leader of the council said: “I’d like to thank our local street wardens for acting quickly to save Beethoven from neglect.
“As a council we take animal welfare seriously and this case is an example of how we will take action where we can.
“I’m pleased that the court ordered that Miss Powell should be disqualified from keeping or looking after any dogs for at least the next five years.”
Sentencing: total costs, fines and charges of £787.50. Banned from keeping cats and dogs for a period of at least five years.
