Tag Archives: Oldham

Cats

Werneth, Greater Manchester: Adele Milne

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CONVICTED (2023) | Adele Milne, born May 1985, of Manchester Road, Werneth, Oldham OL8 4EU – left her cat in agony with an ulcerated necrotic mass on her stomach.

Oldham woman Adele Milne was hauled before the courts after failing to get veterinary help for the 'largest wound' an RSPCA officer had ever seen.
Adele Milne was hauled before the courts after failing to get veterinary help for the ‘largest wound’ an RSPCA officer had ever seen.

Milne pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her black and white cat, Millie, between May 22 and June 5, 2023.

She failed to act when Millie needed treatment on an ulcerated necrotic mass, or tumour. This had broken through her skin, creating a wound on her stomach.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Jessica Pierce went to Milne’s home on June 5, 2023, to investigate a report of concern over the welfare of a cat at the address.

Oldham woman Adele Milne left her cat to suffer with an ulcerated mass to her stomach
Millie was left to suffer with an ulcerated mass to her stomach

In a court statement, Ms Pierce described Millie’s wound as the largest she had ever seen on a cat.

Ms Pierce continued: “The defendant said the wound had been there for a couple of months and started as a small lump which the cat had licked.

“She stated that she had tried ringing vets and an animal charity who had attended, but couldn’t catch the cat.”

Milne allowed Ms Pierce to take Millie to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment. Veterinary examination found she was suffering from a malignant mammary tumour in addition to severe dental disease.

The vet said the tumour would have caused the feline significant suffering for “at least a week and possibly significantly longer”.

In his expert report, he wrote: “The extent of ulceration, infection and areas of dying tissue were likely to be associated with significant pain.

“Early veterinary intervention could have been successful in treating the tumour.

“But such tumours often carry a poor prognosis, so euthanasia is often the best option before the lesion gets to a stage such as this to cause unnecessary suffering.

“In my opinion, allowing the ulceration to get to this extent, would have led to significant suffering for the cat.”

Oldham woman Adele Milne left her cat to suffer with an ulcerated mass to her stomach

Sadly, euthanasia was considered the kindest option for Millie due to the extent of her suffering.

The court heard in mitigation that Milne had tried to treat Millie’s wound herself with products bought from shops.

Sentencing | community order, with 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement; ordered to pay a fine of £120, a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs of £50. Disqualified from owning or keeping an animal for a period of NINE months (expires August 2024).

Oldham Times
Manchester Evening News

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Oldham, Greater Manchester: Samuel McConkie

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CONVICTED (2023) | Samuel McConkie, born c. 1985, of Neild Street, Coppice, Oldham OL8 1QG – stabbed a dog during a crime spree.

Animal abuser and violent career criminal Samuel McConkie from Oldham, Greater Manchester

McConkie was sentenced for a number of crimes committed in Bury on December 30, 2022..

Among his crimes, he stabbed a French Bulldog with a knife, causing her unnecessary suffering. It’s understood the dog survived but was badly injured and in need of long-term veterinary treatment.

McConkie also assaulted a woman who he was prohibited from seeing or contacting due to a restraining order which was in place.

He is also understood to have resisted a male police officer in execution of his duty, assaulted a female NHS emergency worker, and caused damage to a police van cage.

On February 6, 2023, McConkie pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, assault and breach of a restraining order and sent to jail.

Sentencing | 30 months in prison. No mention of a ban.

Oldham Times

Cats, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Shaw, Oldham: Ashley Porter

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CONVICTED (2022) | Ashley Anthony Porter, born 3 December 1991, of 34 Ashworth Court, Ashworth Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8RA – deliberately poured boiling water on his pet cat, leaving him in excruciating pain with horrific injuries.

Porter pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences when he appeared before magistrates. The court heard how his seven-year-old cat Shadow had extensive scald wounds across his head, neck, shoulders, body and legs and was unable to walk on his feet which were also affected by the burns.

Porter claimed the cat had hooked his tail around a boiling kettle which then fell on him – but an independent veterinary expert said evidence showed the injuries were caused by the water being deliberately poured.

The RSPCA were called to the address on January 19, 2020 following concerns from a member of the public who reported that Shadow was suffering from serious injuries for a number of days and had not been to the vet.

There was no reply at the address, so another RSPCA inspector telephoned Porter but he refused to hand over his cat despite confirming he was injured and “in excruciating pain”. Porter said he was making his own veterinary appointment for the next day.

The following day, the RSPCA checked with Porter’s vet and found out an appointment had not been made so inspectors Catherine Byrnes and Helen Chapman returned to the property. This time Porter brought the cat to the door and agreed to hand him over for veterinary treatment.

Inspector Byrnes said: “The poor cat had extensive untreated wounds across the whole of his body, and on his face and ears. It appeared to be raw scald wounds and was clearly visible amongst the cat’s fur. The skin seemed to be slothing off in places and an area of dried tissue was visible on the cat’s back. I could see the cat’s fur falling off in clumps.

“Mr Porter claimed that the cat called Shadow had ‘knocked over’ a kettle and that the hot water had fallen on him. He stated that he had no money to take to a local vet and agreed to allow us to take him for treatment.”

Shadow was rushed to Wendy Lane Vets in Rochdale by the RSPCA where the full extent of his injuries was revealed. They found Shadow had scalding across many different body regions, including his head, neck, right shoulder and side of the chest while some of the claws on his feet had fallen off.

Inspector Byrnes said: “When I took the cat from the pet carrier I noticed lots of fur coming off the cat and some that had fallen off inside the basket. The wounds were quite extensive, the largest of which was on his back and down his right side with some wounds obscured by his coat.

“There was a strong smell coming from the wounds. There was a wound behind the cat’s right ear, the skin and fur was falling off in a thick piece and I noticed puss underneath.

“Also noticeable now was a large raw scald wound extending from the inside of the pet’s right front leg across his chest to the inside of and down his left front leg. Shadow also had scalding on his feet and pads. The cat was walking gingerly and shaking his feet. The vet pointed out that the pet was also missing some toenails. It was obvious that the cat was in awful pain.”

The vet sedated the cat and clipped his coat which revealed the full extent of his wounds. They were cleaned and he was placed on a drip in an isolation pod to recover.

Amazingly, Shadow went on to make a good recovery and was adopted into a loving home.

He had to have the tip of one ear amputated as it was severely burnt. There were fears he may also lose his right eye but fortunately this was not necessary.

He now has to wear a special vest to stop him scratching his healing wounds but is enjoying his new life as a house cat. His new owner says he loves nothing more than to “cuddle and show affection”.

He was terrified of men for many months but has now become more trusting and is enjoying life.

Sentencing | 18 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months. Ordered to pay £1,080 to Wendy Lane Vets in Rochdale, £800 in witness expenses to a man who works with the RSPCA in West Sussex and £260 to the RSPCA. Banned from keeping all animals for 10 years.

Express
Manchester Evening News

Dogs, Lifers

Oldham, Greater Manchester: Susan and Lee Stewart, Michael Newall

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CONVICTED (2022) | Michael Newall, born 2 May 1991, of 305 Shaw Road, Royton, Oldham OL2 6DY, his mother Susan Stewart (aka Susan Oakley), born 8 February 1971, and her husband Lee Darren Stewart, born 20 July 1971, both of 4 Covert Road, Oldham OL4 5QA – confined their badly neglected pet German shepherd to a single room.

Susan Stewart and Michael Newall. Images: Facebook.

The dog, known as Leo, spent almost all day alone in the tiny room apart from being allowed out to eat and drink.

He was found smelling of urine with matted hair after being left in a bare 5ft by 6ft room at a flat on Covert Road.

The cruel family kept German shepherd Leo confined to a room “like a cell” and failed to treat his conjunctivitis and ulcerated ear infection.

Susan and Lee Stewart and Michael Newall pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The RSPCA was alerted after a caller advised ‘a dog was being kept in a small room and never let out’.

No bedding had been provided for Leo, and there were signs he had been trying to scratch and bite his way out of the tiny room.

When inspectors visited the flat on November 9, 2019, Susan Stewart told inspectors that Leo belonged to her son Michael, who had left him in her care after he moved in with his girlfriend. The inspectors returned to see Newall at the flat the next day when they discovered Leo’s confined living conditions.

Inspector Daniel Tomlinson said in his witness statement: “The room had no natural light, the walls were covered in black dirt. I can only describe this room as a cell”.

Inspector Danielle Jennings added: “Although Leo appeared to be in a normal body condition, his coat was very dense and matted and I could smell a mixture of urine and faeces. Leo’s eyes also appeared bright red and inflamed.

“No bedding was available, just a concrete floor. I closed the door leading out and was saddened to see the back of the door. Clearly Leo had been trying to scratch and bite his way out.”

Michael Newall

Newall agreed to have Leo signed over into the care of the RSPCA. The dog was taken to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where a vet found he was suffering from conjunctivitis and severe ulcerated inflammation of his ears.

Vet Dr Sean Taylor stated: “The room was required to be cleaned out each morning suggesting Leo did not have opportunities to soil away from the area he had to rest, although a specific comfortable resting area appears not to have been provided.”

He concluded that Leo had suffered as a result of a failure to provide veterinary care for his ear infections and by being housed in a “barren environment for prolonged periods”.

In mitigation, the court was told Susan Stewart was a carer for her husband and aunt. Lee Stewart was on medication and slept during the day, which made it difficult for him to help the dog.

Sentencing |
Lee Stewart: ordered to pay a total of £537. Banned from keeping animals for life.
Susan Stewart: 12-month community sentence with 25 days of rehabilitation activity; a total of £622 in fine, costs and charges.
Michael Newall: 12-month community service with six-week curfew; ordered to pay £612. Banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.

Manchester Evening News
ITV News
Oldham Evening Chronicle

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Chadderton, Greater Manchester: Mohammed Shouk

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CONVICTED (2022) | Mohammed Shouk, born 11 June 1974, of Whitstable Close, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9LX – battered his dog with a lead.

Shouk was banned from owning animals for three years after he was convicted of cruelty to a dog named Cookie.

He denied the charge at the time, but he was convicted after a trial.

Sentencing: eight-week curfew; costs of £395. Three-year ban (expires February 2025).

Oldham Times

Animal Abandonment, Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species, Small Furries, Worst of the Worst

Oldham, Greater Manchester: Zoe Allen

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CONVICTED (2019) | Zoe Elizabeth Pearsall Allen, born 23 October 1972, formerly of Hawley Street, Colne, Lancashire and more recently Henshaw Street in Oldham – left dogs, cats and a ferret behind when she moved out of her home.

Thirteen animals were left to starve to death by Zoe Allen, now of Oldham
Thirteen animals were left to starve to death by Zoe Allen, now of Oldham

In total, two dogs, ten cats and a ferret were discovered at Zoe Allen’s house after she moved out – six of the cats and the ferret were dead.

Allen pleaded guilty to eight offences relating to the two dogs and seven of the cats under the Animal Welfare Act*.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor said: “We got a call that Allen had abandoned her animals and I attended.

“There were lots of blue bottle flies in the window of the property, which I know from experience isn’t a good sign.

“I knocked, and was relieved when one of the dogs, Cassey, jumped up at the window, but my relief didn’t last long as she didn’t look in good shape.

“I could hear a second dog – Trixy – barking frantically upstairs and I knew there were some cats in there too.

“I’ll never forget this house as long as I live.”

Thirteen animals were left to starve to death by Zoe Allen, now of Oldham

When housing officers granted access the animals were discovered living amongst clutter, rubbish and their own filth. Initially two cats were found alive along with the bodies of six cats and a ferret.

A further two cats were caught in cat traps in the days following. There were lots of empty food and water bowls. Fleas were visible on both the alive and dead animals.

The animals were seized by police and placed in RSPCA care on veterinary advice.

On examination, the four surviving cats were found to be emaciated. Cassey – a female Jack Russell type dog – was very thin with her ribs, spine, and pelvis all prominent. She had a mass on her eye, an ear condition and a skin condition.

Trixy – another female Jack Russell type dog – was even thinner than Cassey, with her ribs, spine and pelvic bones easily visible. She had a skin condition and overgrown nails that had grown into the skin.

All have recovered in RSPCA care and have now been happily rehomed.

In mitigation the court heard that Allen had to leave the house due to a water burst, rent arrears and problems with her neighbours. Her benefits stopped so she moved to Oldham. The court was told she had “buried her head in the sand”.

Sentencing: 12-month community order with curfew and 20 rehabilitation requirement days. Ordered to pay £300 costs and a £85 victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping animals for five years (expires May 2024).

ITV News

Dogs, Lifers, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Oldham, Greater Manchester: Tomas Ferreira

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#MostEvil | Tomas Gabriel Couceiro Ferreira, born 2 April 1996, of Edmund Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8EY – beat a dog with a metal pole in a series of violent attacks, causing her to suffer multiple broken bones and to lose an eye

Violent dog abuser Tomas Ferreira from Oldham, Greater Manchester

Tomas Ferreira’s Bichon Frise Skye was discovered with a broken jaw, broken ribs, a broken bone in her back leg and 10 broken teeth.

Bichon frise Sky lost an eye after enduring regular beatings by her owner
Bichon frise Sky lost an eye after enduring regular beatings by her owner Tomas Ferreira

She also suffered a ruptured eyeball which had to be removed, completely robbing her of her sight because she was already blind in her other eye.

Tameside Magistrates’ Court heard that Ferreira was violent and regularly abused the dog.

Violent thug Tomas Ferreira from Glossop abused Bichon Frise Skye repeatedly and so severely she suffered multiple broken bones and lost an eye
Skye, who was already blind in one eye, lost her sight altogether after being beaten with a pole by evil Thomas Ferreira

When the RSPCA visited Ferreira’s then home in Gamesley, which is near Glossop, Derbyshire, they discovered blood splatters around the house and a number of metal poles with blood on them, including one with white hair on it.

Violent thug Tomas Ferreira from Glossop abused Bichon Frise Skye so severely she suffered multiple broken bones and lost an eye. This blood spattered pole was found at his home
Blood=spattered pole was recovered from Ferreira’s property in Glossop

Skye was rescued by a member of the public who saw her in a distressed state and took her to Victoria Veterinary centre in Glossop where she was given pain relief and the RSPCA were alerted.

Inspector Nichola Waterworth went to collect Skye and she was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where the extent of her injuries were discovered.

Veterinary staff were worried that the fractured jaw may have been beyond repair as it was an older injury but Skye was able to recover by wearing a special muzzle for a month which held the broken bones in place while they healed.

Ferreira was found guilty causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by the infliction of a blunt force trauma and physical violence.

Violent dog abuser Tomas Ferreira from Oldham, Greater Manchester

Ferreira has a history of violence and in November 2017, when he was living in Taunton, Somerset, faced charges of assault against two women and a man. The outcome of his trial is unknown.

Skye has since been rehomed and is said to still be an affectionate and confident dog, despite her ordeal.

Inspector Waterworth said: “The member of the public who rescued the dog said she looked broken and was really concerned for her well-being.

“How she survived such horrific attacks is unbelievable really but she had so many injuries and broken bones there was a real concern she wouldn’t pull through.

“But she is a brave little character and despite having her ruptured eye removed, making her completely blind, she also had to wear a special muzzle for 24 hours a day, seven days a week and eat with it on – she went through all this and has made an amazing recovery.

“The jail sentence shows violence against animals, like Skye, will not be tolerated. I am delighted to say she has now been re-homed into a loving environment where she is being given the life she deserves.

“Despite her blindness she is confident and still likes to get out and about and explore and she is so affectionate.”

Sentencing | Jailed for 18 weeks; ordered to pay £150 victim surcharge. Banned for life from keeping animals.

Manchester Evening News

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Oldham, Greater Manchester: Craig McKinley

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CONVICTED (2017) | Craig John McKinley, born 4 March 1982, previously of Forest Street, Oldham, but as of January 2021 believed to be of Fletcher Close, Oldham OL9 6TF – caught on camera battering his dog

CCTV captured the shocking moment Craig McKinley brutally punched his dog in the face before viciously grabbing her in the middle of a busy street
CCTV captured the shocking moment Craig McKinley brutally punched his dog in the face before viciously grabbing her in the middle of a busy street

On 1 May 2017 footage of a man later identified as Craig McKinley battering his dog in the street was shared hundreds of thousands of times across social media.

McKinley is seen walking his dog, known as Narla, when she suddenly stops – prompting a violent outburst from her owner.

He is seen pulling the dog before stopping to crouch next to her.

Suddenly he lands a series of blows on the petrified pet’s face, before grabbing her and throwing her to the ground.

He continues to punch Narla in the sickening attack, which lasts for almost two minutes.

McKinley was arrested and went on to be prosecuted by the RSPCA. While the newspapers didn’t publish details of his conviction or sentencing, we understand he was given a 10-year ban on keeping animals. This will expire in mid to late 2027.

A screenshot of Craig McKinley's old FB account shows he has Narla as his profile and cover photos
A screenshot of Craig McKinley’s old now defunct FB account shows he had Narla as his profile and cover photos

Narla was taken into the care of the RSPCA and although there are rumours that the police had seized her under BSL (Breed Specific Legislation), we understand she was rehomed.

The Sun
Manchester Evening News

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Oldham, Greater Manchester: Jamie-Leigh Williams

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CONVICTED (2017) | Jamie-Leigh Williams, born 21 February 1996, previously from Chadderton in Oldham and as of December 2020 living in Hunter Avenue, Warrington WA2 9RQ – caught on camera battering a friendly dog.

Convicted dog abuser Jamie-Leigh Williams of Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK. Pictured outside court.
Convicted animal abuser Jamie -Leigh Williams says she is afraid to go out after footage of her battering a helpless dog went viral on social media

Mother-of-one Williams was given a community order and banned from owning any animal for just five years after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to five-year-old Rottweiler Lennox by hitting and kicking him.

The RSPCA brought charges against her after disturbing footage of the incident appeared on social media in November 2016.

The footage was filmed by a man who Williams had allowed to stay at her home for a few days.

Friendly dog Lennox, who was battered by Jamie-Leigh Williams of Oldham
Despite Williams’ claims that Lennox had attacked her, he was described by RSPCA inspectors as friendly and was later made available for rehoming

The court heard how Williams and her former partner, Rhys Edwards, had taken in Lennox several months earlier after being told he would be put down if no new owner was found.

Convicted dog abuser Jamie-Leigh Williams

It was claimed that during this time, the dog became increasingly aggressive, and several calls were made to police, dog homes and the RSPCA to try and rehome him.

Defending, Christopher Squibbs said on the day of the incident Lennox had been ‘snarling at her stomach’.

He told the bench: “The defendant clearly lost her temper towards the dog. It wasn’t her finest hour, but she is remorseful.”

Convicted dog abuser Jamie-Leigh Williams of Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK. Picture: Facebook

Contradicting Williams’ claims that Lennox was vicious, RSPCA prosecutor said that inspectors had found Lennox to be alert and active, a friendly dog that had thankfully suffered no lasting injuries.

Speaking after the hearing she told the local newspaper: “I shouldn’t have done what I did. I hold my hands up and admit it was wrong, but at the time I was scared, and thought I was doing what anyone else in that situation would to protect themselves and their baby.

“What you don’t hear in the video clip is that before that I had been screaming for the police to be called because the dog had been trying to go for me.

“Neighbours had heard him barking and growling and because they know what he’s like they’d come round to check on me.

“As I shut the door, Lennox jumped up on my back, his paws were scratching my lower back and putting pressure onto my stomach, he was that heavy I was pushed against the door. I managed to get him off, and tried to get into the living room to my phone but he was in the door way snarling.

“I was terrified. I started talking to him, like you would a baby, and it calmed him down enough to put the muzzle on him, but I hate the things so didn’t put it on tight and he kept getting out of it.

“I went to put it back on and he snapped at me, I then started to get pains in my stomach and keeled over, I was shouting for help but I realise now the whole thing was just being filmed.

“I kicked Lennox, but what you don’t see is that his mouth was around my foot and I was trying to get him off me, I then picked up the first thing I saw which was a sweet box and I hit him. I just snapped.”

Immediately after the incident, Williams said she locked Lennox in a room and called her mum, who then got another family member to collect the dog.

Convicted dog abuser Jamie-Leigh Williams

The court heard the following morning she went into early labour. Doctors managed to slow things down and she gave birth to a healthy baby girl a few weeks later.

Williams says that as a result of the video being shared, she has lost her friends, and has been verbally abused in the street.

“I won’t walk anywhere or use public transport, I’m scared to go out. I just want this all to be over. I know what I did was wrong and if I could take it back I would.”

Sentencing: 12-month community order of 150 hours of unpaid work, £385 fine. Banned from keeping any animal for five years (expired February 2022).

Williams’ conviction: Manchester Evening News
More: ‘Dog brutally beaten by owner is safe and well and ready to be rehomed’

Additional information

Williams has links to Skelmersdale, Stockport, Audenshaw in Manchester as well as Oldham and Warrington.

Dogs, Lifers, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Greater Manchester: Paula Wood, James Brady, Louise Colwell, Kenneth Colwell, Tommy Greally and Stacy Greally

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CONVICTED (2015) | puppy farm dealers Paula Amanda Wood aka Paula Keegan (12/07/68) and her partner James Brady (29/05/62) both of Springwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9RR , Paula’s daughter Louise Anne Colwell aka Louise Donald (20/01/87) of Fields New Road, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8NH, and her now ex-husband Kenneth Ryan Colwell (10/08/87) of Lynthorpe Road, Moston, Manchester M40 0JT, plus associates Thomas Patrick Greally (28/12/84) of Liberty Court, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 9HW, and his now ex-wife Stacy Jane Greally née McEwan (08/12/84) of Kirby Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9PF

Photo composite shows puppy farm dealers Stacy McEwan, Tommy Greally, Louise Colwell, Kenny Colwell, Paula Keegan, James Brady
This gang of fraudulent puppy dealers sold sick and dying animals across Greater Manchester

The gang were selling around 15 puppies from various breeds including chihuahuas, pomeranians, spaniels, shih tzus, and Yorkshire terriers for between £550 and £650 each – netting around £8,000 a week.

They scoured Europe for the young dogs – some of which had just days left to live.

Puppies rescued from Greater Manchester puppy ring
Six of the rescued puppies were so ill they had to be put down and another 65% had birth defects.

They then faked pedigree documents, healthcheck cards and produced glossy brochures to trick potential buyers into believing they were buying healthy pets.

Yet 65 percent had life-threatening, congenital defects leaving dozens of animal lovers heartbroken.

An investigation into the three couples was launched by the RSPCA’s special operations unit, dubbed Operation Pagan, and Greater Manchester Police.

Addresses across Greater Manchester were raided in November 2013 after details from pet owners who had bought sick puppies from the gang.

Paula Wood and James Brady
Brady and Wood

Officers seized a total of 39 puppies kept in purpose-built pods at the rear of the addresses.

Sadly, six of the puppies were so unwell they had to be put down by a vet.

Two-thirds of the rescued pups had congenital problems.

Stacy McEwan

Police also seized £3,500 in cash along with a step-by-step guide to puppy selling which spelt out how sellers would get £50 commission on each sale.

Kenny Colwell
Kenny Colwell

Jailing Thomas Greally and Kenneth Colwell both for 20 weeks, and James Brady for 10 weeks, a District Judge blasted the gang for their ‘remorseless attitude’ to the puppy trade.

Stacy McEwan, Louise Colwell and Paula Keegan
Stacy McEwan, Louise Colwell and Paula Keegan

Louise Colwell, Stacey Greally and Paula Wood were handed suspended sentences and ordered to carry out community service and pay costs.

All six defendants were banned from keeping dogs for the rest of their lives.

None of the defendants would reveal where in Europe the puppies came from.

Paula Keegan and James Brady
Paula Keegan and James Brady

Chief inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “This case is hugely significant.

“It shows the lengths some dealers will go to, making it look like the puppies they are selling have been bred in a homely environment.

“They produce glossy brochures, healthcheck cards and fancy-looking ‘pedigree’ documents that aren’t worth the paper they are written on.

“This investigation has shown puppy dealers are becoming increasingly savvy to make their dealings look legitimate.

“They rent houses and put a smattering of furniture in them to make it look like a family home, from which they peddle these sick puppies.

“On some occasions that we have been told about, adult dogs would be presented under the false pretence that they were the parents of the puppies being sold.

“It is organised crime and animal suffering on an almost industrial scale.”

Sentencing:
Thomas Greally and Kenneth Colwell – 20 weeks in custody
James Brady – 10 weeks in custody.
Paula Keegan – 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, 250 hours’ unpaid work, £1,000 costs.
Louise Colwell and Stacy McEwan – 20 weeks’ custody suspended for 12 months, 300 hours’ unpaid work, £2,000 costs.

All six defendants were banned from keeping dogs for the rest of their lives.

Manchester Evening News
Daily Mail