CONVICTED (2024) | mother and son Michelle Farrar of 122 Ealand Road, Batley WF17 8HT, and Ethan Lee Farrar of 15 Oakhill Road, Batley WF17 8JD – kept two dogs in a faeces-strewn property filled with hazards and starved and neglected one of them.
Persistent animal abusers Michelle and Ethan Farrar were both ordered to undertake rehabilitation. The mother received a two-year ban while her son is banned from having anything to do with animals for the next five years.
The court heard that in October 2022, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Rebecca Goulding visited an address in Oakhill Road, Batley, to check on the welfare of dogs living there.
Looking through the window ARO Goulding could see two Dogues de Bordeaux – an adult and a puppy. She said: “Both dogs looked in reasonable condition, and were bright, alert and active”.
The vile pair ignored RSPCA warnings to take proper care of their dogs and instead starved one of them and kept her in grim and hazardous conditions.
There were however concerns about the animals’ living conditions with ARO Golding stating that “the stench of urine and faeces that could be smelt from outside the property, combined with the filthy windows and stained curtains suggested that conditions inside were not suitable for the dogs. The living room appeared in complete disarray and all surfaces were covered in faeces.
“When I got inside of the house, the smell of urine and faeces in the living room was overpowering”
The RSPCA was told by the property’s resident, Ethan Farrar, that the two dogs belonged to his mother Michelle Farrar, who although the legal tenant of the Oakhill Road property, lived elsewhere, in Ealand Road.
ARO Goulding advised both the mother and son that the condition of the house at Oakhill Road was unsuitable for the dogs and that improvements must be made otherwise they would have to be removed from there.
ARO Goulding made many unsuccessful attempts to visit and contact Michelle Farrar in person. When Michelle Farrar finally did return ARO Goulding’s calls, she agreed to sign the puppy – named Rain – over to the RSPCA and to move the adult dog – Storm – from the address at Oakhill Road, to the other address in Ealand Road, which provided a more suitable environment.
Farrar was warned against the dog being returned to Oakhill Road, unless significant improvements were made to that property.
Conditions inside the property at 15 Oakhill Road, Batley
A month later, ARO Goulding returned to Oakhill Road for a spot check. To her dismay she discovered that Storm was in the property’s back yard which was full of hazards and littered with faeces.
ARO Goulding warned Ethan Farrar that if Storm was found inside the property, then she would be removed.
In February 2023, RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby visited Oakhill Road for a follow up inspection, to check that Storm wasn’t being kept at the Oakhill Road house. But on arrival, she could see a now very thin Storm sitting on a faeces-covered window ledge and noticed a strong smell of faeces and urine coming from the property’s air vents.
Ethan Farrar admitted that there had been no improvements made to the condition of the property. The Farrars had once again ignored the RSPCA’s warning not to return Storm to these filthy conditions. In addition, the dog’s body condition had seriously deteriorated and she had lost a substantial amount of weight.
Inspector Hodby advised that the dog must now see a vet, that an investigation had been started and that Storm would be in RSPCA care until the investigation was concluded.
Storm was taken into the care of the RSPCA and was thoroughly examined by a vet and treatments to improve her condition were started.
Veterinarian Dr Sean Taylor, expert witness for the prosecution, reported that the evidence indicated that as well as a 3cm (1.2in) lesion on her tongue, Storm had dental disease which was causing her to experience pain. The evidence suggested that the condition had been present for some time and Storm would have suffered for a period of at least five days, but probably longer.
In addition, Dr Taylor reported that due to the house at Oakhill Road being so unhygienic and full of hazards, Storm’s needs had not been met. He added that those responsible for the welfare of this animal had failed to provide a suitable environment
RSPCA Inspector Demi Hodby said: “It was the Farrars’ legal responsibility to properly care for Storm and they failed to do this. Not only did they repeatedly ignore instructions to improve the conditions that Storm was being forced to live in, but there was also no excuse for failing to get veterinary care for her when it was abundantly clear she so desperately needed it.
“This was a sad case and Storm’s suffering could have easily been avoided. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their animal to ask for help and act on advice, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”
Storm was later rehomed by the RSPCA, and though sadly diagnosed with cancer, had a new home for the remainder of her life.
Sentencing | Both were given 12 month community orders with 20 days of rehabilitation; each was ordered to pay costs of £400 and £114 victim surcharge. Michelle Farrar received a two-year ban applicable to all animals (expires April 2026) while Ethan Farrar received a five-year ban (expires April 2029).
CONVICTED (2024) | unlicensed backyard breeders Colin Williams, born c. 1977, and Ruth Williams ( née Ruth Sanders), born c. 1972, of Glanddu Road, Fleur de Lis, Blackwood NP12 3XT – for a catalogue of animal cruelty offences towards dogs and puppies they exploited for money.
The couple were prosecuted followed an investigation by Caerphilly County Borough Council trading standards.
Together with officers from Gwent Police, a veterinary surgeon, and officials from neighbouring councils, a warrant was executed at the Williams’ home address in June 2023. The premises was suspected of being used for unlicensed dog breeding.
Three French bulldogs, two British bulldogs and two cavalier King Charles spaniels were found severely confined in pens in one room with no access to water.
One of the pens, which housed two other dogs was in an alcove under the stairs. The conditions provided insufficient space with the animals having no stimulation and unable to show normal behaviour.
All nine dogs had conditions which caused them unnecessary suffering. The dogs were found to be suffering from skin, eye, ear and airway diseases.
The dogs were seized after being looked at by the vet and placed into the care of Hope Rescue. They have since been rehomed.
Colin Williams, who used to run a business called Valley Ultrasound and Microchipping and now works as a window cleaner, admitted 17 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and one charge under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for not declaring he was a breeder when he advertised the dogs’ sale.
He also admitted a charge under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales) Order 2007 of the Animal Health Act 1981, for illegally taking two pregnant dogs to Heathrow Airport.
Ruth Williams admitted 15 cruelty charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and a charge under consumer protection law.
Lyndsey Smith, rescue and adoption manager of Hope Rescue Centre, said: “Many of the dogs arrived with health issues so we were shocked to hear they were still being bred from.
“Amongst the group of dogs were a very nervous duo of cavalier bitches. They moved out to foster care together and developed such a lovely relationship – we just had to find them a home where they could stay together.”
Sentencing | Colin Williams: jailed for four months. Indefinite ban. Ruth Williams: eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. 10-year ban. £12,000 costs.
CONVICTED (2024) | Lynn Haydon-Williams, born 6 April 1960, of Redgate, Hyde SK14 5DE, and Charlotte Haydon-Williams, born 17 November 1988, of Cheetham Fold Road, Hyde SK14 5DF – for the neglect of multiple animals in the care of their sanctuary.
Mother and daughter Lynn and Charlotte Haydon-Williams were found guilty of a number of offences following a trial on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
The court heard how neglected horses, including one suffering with multiple tumours, lame goats, pigs with hoof problems and an arthritic coatimundi were found at the Haywill Animal Centre by the RSPCA.
During 2020 and 2021, the RSPCA identified animal welfare concerns at sites in Glossop, Derbyshire and Broadbottom in Manchester.
The RSPCA had visited the rescue on previous occasions during which they had offered support and advice to the founder/owner Lynn Haydon-Williams.
In a statement read to the court RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo said she recalled attending the centre on May 11, 2021, when she saw “goats with overgrown feet that were struggling to walk normally, grossly obese pigs, a coati that appeared to have small masses on its underside and a horse with overgrown feet”.
Inspector Araujo continued: “I saw a number of large goats with overgrown hooves that appeared to have difficulty walking normally or walking at all. There was also a black pygmy goat who looked quite thin and you could feel his spine and hips when you put your hands on him.”
Among the animals taken into the care of the RSPCA was Gemma, a grey bay mare, who was covered in skin tumours. A vet later decided that the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
Another horse, called Casper, who was suffering from laminitis was also, sadly, put to sleep, as was a pot-bellied pig, who was suffering from overgrown feet.
An emaciated pygmy goat and the coatimundi, who was in poor health, passed away later.
Several of the horses required treatment for foot and hoof ailments.
In mitigation for Lynn Haydon-Williams, the court was told she previously did “a lot of good work for many people for a long time”. It was said that Covid impacted the rescue’s finances and lessened her ability to look after the animals. It was said that she had not deliberately mistreated the animals.
The court heard that Charlotte Haydon-Williams suffered from health problems which affected her care of the horse. The court accepted she was not responsible for the care of the other animals.
Lynn Haydon-Williams initially pleaded not guilty to 15 charges, but she was convicted of 13 offences after a trial.
Charlotte Haydon-Williams pleaded not guilty to the same 15 charges and was convicted of three offences relating to the care of a horse. It was ruled she had no case to answer on the remaining 12 charges.
The surviving animals – a horse and 10 goats – will be rehomed by the RSPCA.
Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Araujo said: “This owner was given ample time and opportunity to get the help she needed to give these animals the veterinary care and treatment they needed. Sadly, she did not take action and the animals suffered for longer than they had to.”
Sentencing | Lynn Haydon-Williams: six-month custodial suspended for 18 months; 240 hours of unpaid work; £240 costs and £156 victim surcharge. She was given a lifetime disqualification from keeping animals except for dogs and cats.
Charlotte Haydon-Williams: 12-month community order; fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and £114 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping horses for three years (expires March 2027).
CONVICTED (2024) | wildlife killers Thomas Graham Michael Lloyd, born 28 December 1986, of Slaidburn Drive, Lancaster LA1 4QX; Jay Stuart Jones born 5 March 1987, of Barley Cop Lane, Lancaster LA1 2PP; and Steven Dixon, born 9 November 1983 of 63 Keswick Road, Lancaster LA1 3LF – for sadistic cruelty towards multiple deer and at least one badger.
Tom Lloyd (left) and Jay Jones were both sent to prison for serious wildlife offences
The sadistic trio were all convicted of a range of wildlife offences, including cutting a deer’s throat and restraining a deer to enable dogs to attack it.
Tom Lloyd was the ringleader of the sick gang of criminals
Tom Lloyd pleaded guilty to four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to deer and a badger, with videos showing the deer’s neck being stood on to enable dogs to attack the animal, and the deer’s throat being cut repeatedly. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison and was disqualified from keeping dogs for life.
Jay Jones pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to a deer by restraining the animal to allow dogs to attack it. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and was disqualified from keeping dogs for six years.
Steven Dixon pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to a deer by repeatedly cutting its throat. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison which was suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation days, a six-month mental health programme and 100 hours of unpaid work.
One man was caught on camera slashing a terrified deer’s throatOther videos showed dogs being set upon a badger and a deer
In February 2022, Lancashire Police seized a mobile phone from Jay Jones which revealed videos showing wildlife offences and the RSPCA were called to assist.
The charity’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) worked with police who executed warrants at premises occupied by all three defendants in May 2022.
Two dogs of the four seized from backyard breeders Tom Lloyd and Jay Jones were pregnant
Four dogs were seized: a black lurcher called Hector and a tan and white lurcher, called Chanelle from Lloyd; and a dark brindle lurcher, called Blaze, and a grey merle lurcher, called Dixie, from Jones.
Dixie and Chanelle were both pregnant and had puppies in the RSPCA’s care.
A number of videos showed the cruelty inflicted on deer and a badger.
A written statement, presented to the court in an expert witness report said: “The videos presented have been produced in darkness with the use of a lamp to illuminate the activity of a number of lurcher type dogs pursuing and attacking deer and a badger.
“Two videos indicate a male person to have repeatedly stabbed and cut the skin of the animal’s neck causing further suffering via the mechanism of pain while already being attacked by dogs.”
In one of the videos, Lloyd, who is filming, says: ‘Here we are lads, got a stag’, and shows a deer that has been caught being attacked by dogs.
Later in the video, one of the men can be seen holding the deer’s head while he cuts its throat with a knife.
RSPCA SOU officer Jason Bowles, who led the investigation, said, after sentencing: “We investigate some horrific cases and, sadly, see animals suffering truly gruesome acts at the hands of people.
“The videos in this case are yet another example of the barbaric torture that we regularly see being inflicted upon wildlife we should all be trying to protect and help.
“Sadly, people who enjoy these hideous pastimes continue to offend across the picturesque, rural countryside of England and Wales. “But the RSPCA will not rest in bringing people like these to justice.”
Tom Lloyd’s feral offspring are doomed to turn out just like their evil father
Sergeant James Pinder, who led the warrants and searches for Lancashire Police, said: “The guilty pleas in this case were entered/im after a two year-long, detailed investigation by the RSPCA and Lancashire Police’s West Division Rural Task Force. I’d firstly like to praise the thoroughness and tenacity of those investigators.
“The extremely graphic nature of the many videos recovered shocked all who worked on the case.
“I welcome the sentences imposed and hope they send a clear message to those people who would seek to commit similar offences. “I would encourage anyone with information about the illegal persecution of wildlife to report it by calling 1010, or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Blaze, Chanelle (and her nine puppies), and Dixie (plus her seven puppies) can all now be rehomed.
Hector will remain in RSPCA care subject to a further court hearing regarding his ownership.
CONVICTED (2024) | James Baker, born April 1969, Sarah Jayne Baker (aka Sarah Jayne Baker-Ryan), born December 1990, both of 4 William West Road, Par PL24 2GA and Darren Laker, born c. 1977, also from Par – starved and neglected horses, ponies, a donkey and a goat at their equine therapy centre.
Sarah Jayne Baker and husband James Baker faced multiple counts of cruelty in relation to animals in their care
In what was described as one of the worst cases of animal neglect in Cornwall’s history, married couple James and Sarah Baker and their stable hand Darren Laker admitted cruelty charges in relation to multiple animals.
Concerns were raised by a member of the public when some animals were seen malnourished and in a poor state
The Bakers ran a community interest company called Family Nest Equine Therapy, now dissolved, which ran pony parties, riding lessons and therapy for veterans. The equine centre was latterly based near Driving Lane, Par.
Darren Laker
Francesca Whebell, prosecuting, on behalf of the RSPCA, said that the Bakers were first warned to improve the living conditions for the animals in their care while they ran the charity in Holsworthy, Devon, back in 2020. When the couple sold up the land following an alleged neighbourly dispute, they moved to Par in a rush with dozens of horses, donkeys, and other animals.
Ms Whebell told the court that RSPCA inspectors visited them again at the site in Par in 2022 and continued to express strong concerns about failings in animal welfare. She said some of the animals had no shade, no shelter, mouldy hay or no food and often little to no access to water.
She said that some of the animals had untreated wounds and were lame and had to be taken to a vet for immediate treatment.
One horse was found dead in a field. Horses and other animals were emaciated, thin, and visibly malnourished.
Ms Whebell told the court that when RSPCA inspectors turned up the Bakers never took responsibility for the neglect they inflicted on the animals. The Bakers told shocked inspectors that “when you have livestock you sometimes have dead stock”.
She said: “There has been a complete disregard for animal welfare. Some of the animals had been suffering for months.”
Ramsay Quaife, defending Laker, said his client apologised for his involvement.
Sarah Baker aka Sarah Jayne Baker-Ryan or just Sarah Ryan
Sarah Baker, who was unrepresented, told the court that many of the animals had been “dumped on them”. She said when they had to uproot and move to Par, many of the owners no longer wanted them.
She said: “We tried our hardest to get these animals back to health. But we were not given a chance. It was too much hard work for us. I wish I had contacted the RSPCA much sooner.”
She told the court that Family Nest had done a lot of good over the years, providing horse therapy to both veterans, her husband being a veteran too, as well as children with special needs. The CIC had been featured on ITV South West.
Mrs Baker added: “I welcome the ban. I’m sad that it has taken this long to get to this point. We’re tired. We don’t want anything to do with horses anymore. We don’t want to go near or ride a horse ever again. The last few years have been hell for us.”
When Judge Simon Carr noted that she had not shown an ounce of remorse Sarah Baker said she was “more sorry than I could ever be. That’s why I’m so exhausted. I took every course I could to help the animals and the future of the yard. I welcome the ban. I don’t want to think of having animals in my care again. I don’t ever want to be responsible for an animal ever again.”
The Bakers, who run SJ’s Coffee House in Eastcliffe Road, Par, told the court they had no way of paying for the £77,000 the prosecution was asking for the care of the animals, as well as legal fees, as they have no money.
Sentencing the trio, Judge Carr said it was one of the worst cases of animal neglect he had seen.
“They would have been in agony, not only from wounds but also malnutrition,” he said.
“There is no excuse for what you both did.”
Sentencing |
The Bakers were jailed for nine months for each count, suspended for two years. Disqualified from owning any animal for life.
Laker was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. Disqualified from owning an equine for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2024) | John Paul McDonagh (born 01/10/1990) and his wife Mary Louise McDonagh (27/05/1992); Francie Gabriel McDonagh (18/01/1989) and his wife Angela Christina McDonagh (13/10/1989); Patrick Christopher McDonagh Snr (02/02/1977) and his wife Mary Christina McDonagh Snr (13/04/1980); Edward ‘Eddie’ McDonagh (01/11/1995) and his wife Mary Christina McDonagh Jnr (08/11/1998); husband and wife Martin Joseph McDonagh (23/03/1981) and Rosaleen Marie McDonagh (21/08/1981) and their son Patrick Christopher McDonagh Jnr (06/12/2001).
These men and their wives were prosecuted following an RSPCA investigation into the illegal puppy trade2016 image of Francie McDonagh. Source: Bucks Free Press
Eleven members of the extended notorious McDonagh clan – all Irish travellers – have been convicted of animal cruelty offences and fraud after trading puppies illegally from the council-funded Ellen Ridge travellers site in Hartridge Farm Road, Newport NP18 2NH.
The six men pleaded guilty to fraud and all 11 admitted an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The case against the vile criminal family involved hundreds of puppies sold to the public under false pretences
The unscrupulous and greedy family made hundreds of thousands of pounds by conning members of the public into believing the puppies they were buying were much-loved pets when in reality they were being bred and traded like “commodities”
They falsely advertised the pups on popular Facebook pages and used dozens of fake emails, addresses, names, and staged photos showing the pups “at home” to hoodwink prospective purchasers.
The RSPCA-led operation found that most of the dogs and puppies, many of whom had health issues, had been imported from Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Ireland, while some had been bred in Wales. Others had been stolen
They had advertised and sold at least 40 different breeds of dogs, including Cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, beagles, miniature dachshunds, American pocket bully, shihpoos, French bulldogs, cavapoos, chihuahuas, labradors, rottweilers, German shepherds and whippets.
The callous and morally bankrupt family also dealt in stolen animals.
The offences were committed between January 1, 2020, and March 31,2021.
Many of the pups had been imported from countries which included Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
The scam was uncovered thanks to a vigilant vet who reported his concerns to the RSPCA. Police had also been called to the Ellen Ridge travellers site following a violent disturbance and undertook a search of the premises.
The total value of the illegal puppy operation is estimated to have netted more than £500,000 with the McDonaghs pocketing around £300,000 in undeclared income.
A judge at Swansea Crown Court said the fraud had been sophisticated and carefully planned. It involved the transportation of animals likely bred in East European puppy farms into the UK. Some puppies had been bred in Wales and kept in dirty and unsanitary conditions.
The judge told the defendants their motivation had been financial and little regard had been paid to the welfare of the animals involved.
RSPCA prosecutor Hazel Stephens told the court the investigation started after a vet became suspicious that a man had taken three litters of puppies into the surgery using the same phone number but calling himself by different names.
The vet contacted the RSPCA, who launched an investigation called Operation Earth. This involved analysis of Facebook adverts and messages, phone records, financial transactions, and details of dogs’ microchips and vets records.
The investigation led to the Newport-based McDonagh family being identified as being behind an operation involving cross-border transportation, breeding, and the sale of puppies and dogs on a large scale.
The investigation revolved around the activities of five couples:
John Paul McDonagh and Mary Louise McDonagh of Laburnum Drive Newport NP19 9AL
Francie Gabriel McDonagh and Angela Christina McDonagh of George Lansbury Drive, Newport NP19 9DS
Patrick Christopher McDonagh Snr and Mary Christina McDonagh Snr of Moorland Park, Newport NP19 4NB
Edward McDonagh and Mary Christina McDonagh Snr of Maesglas Street, Newport NP20 3BU
Martin Joseph McDonagh and Rosaleen Marie McDonagh and their son Patrick Christopher McDonagh Jnr all of 114 Maesglas Crescent, Newport NP20 3BY.
The court heard that the RSPCA applied for search warrants for a number of addresses in Newport but before they could be executed “there was an intervening event”.
On April 12, 2021, police officers responded to an emergency call at a property in Caerau Road, Newport, about “five Irish men” trying to kick their way into a property and asking for “the dogs”.
The men dispersed before officers arrived but a review of CCTV footage showed the group had been using two vehicles – a white Ford Transit van and blue Ford Focus car – and the vehicles were soon picked up by a police helicopter.
As a result of that information police officers went to the Ellen Ridge travellers’ site in Newport and two suspects who were identified from the CCTV footage were arrested.
The court heard that in the minutes between the men arriving at the site and police turning up at the gate the two males had swapped clothes and had started to shave their heads “presumably with the intention of evading detection” – those men were Eddie McDonagh and Patrick Christopher McDonagh.
Entrance to the Ellen Ridge travellers site in Newport
While at the site police saw a number of dogs and puppies that were kept in poor conditions and who did not appear in the best of health.
Some 21 dogs and puppies were removed from the premises and four of those were found to have been stolen.
The barrister said all the evidence gathered as part of Operation Earth showed the McDonaghs were advertising pups for sale on four of the main puppy selling sites – FreeAds, Pets4Homes, Preloved, and Gumtree – and the adverts were worded to make it appear that the dogs were from home-bred litters and were socialised and healthy puppies when in reality the defendants were trading puppies and dogs “like commodities with no care for their health or welfare”.
She said veterinary records acquired by the RSPCA “demonstrates the ill-health and frequent breeding of a number of dogs”.
Some of the puppies sold by the McDonaghs were found to have microchips from Poland, Hungary, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Ireland. In some cases they had been taken to vets in the UK to make them look like dogs from Britain before then being mixed with other puppies from different origins – thereby further increasing the risks to their welfare.
On one occasion two of the McDonagh couples – Martin Joseph and Rosaleen Marie along with Eddie and Mary Christina – were stopped by officers from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs at the Port of Dover with Dachshunds from the Czech Republic and Hungary in crates in their vehicles.
Martin McDonagh told an animal welfare officer that he and his wife had seen the pups while travelling on the Continent “on business”.
The passports for the puppies were in the names of Anthony Francis McDonagh and John Paul McDonagh. The prosecutor said five of the imported dogs were subsequently abandoned when it transpired they needed veterinary attention.
The court heard that as part of the investigation the RSPCA collected details of all the microchips implanted in the puppies and dogs in the case, traced the date the chips were implanted and to whom they were registered, and the details of who subsequently then sold the animals.
The results of this analysis showed the links between the movements of the puppies between the various members of the McDonagh family.
The investigation also showed that as well as many puppies having been imported some were being bred on the travellers’ site and other dogs were stolen.
The McDonaghs’ Facebook adverts were designed to dupe people into believing the puppies they sold had been bred in a loving home environment.
One read:
“This stunning little tri-coloured cavalier king Charles spaniel pup is now ready to leave for his new homes. We have one boy available he is very loving affectionate pup that likes to play and have cuddles. He has been raised in our family home with our kids and he is well socialised. Mum is our family pet and can be seen with pup”
while another was worded:
“I’ve come to the very sad sale of my beautiful beagle. He is four months old I have had him since he was eight weeks but I hate to say this but my circumstances have changed and I sadly cannot have him no more I am so upset about this as I really do love him but I can no longer give him the time that he deserves and has forced me into putting him up for sale”
The prosecutor said analysis of Facebook adverts and messages and of phone records showed the defendants had used 41 different residential addresses, 47 mobile phone numbers, and 39 email addresses during the puppy-selling scam.
It is estimated that between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, a total of £532,300 worth of dogs were advertised for sale online and the prosecutor said for the purposes of the case the value of the fraud was put at £300,000.
The court heard 20 victims of the scam had given statements to the RSPCA and between them they had paid the McDonaghs more than £30,000 for what they believed were socialised and healthy pups from a family home.
A number of those puppies subsequently required vet treatment with some being diagnosed with pneumonia, some with campylobacter, giardia; two puppies were diagnosed with parvovirus.
The prosecutor said many of the purchasers had been left with large vets bills.
Judge Geraint Walters said there was “carefully coordinated action” where the use of multiple properties, different vehicles and different vet practices had been used, along with false adverts, false documentation and various mobile numbers.
Ms Stephens said there were two sets of victims in the case: the puppies themselves and also the purchasers who suffered “considerable expense and considerable emotional upset through the illness and in some cases death of the puppy”.
She said the defendants “exploited the emotional vulnerability of potential purchasers, some of whom had small children excited about their new member of their family”.
The court heard that as part of the investigation an analysis was carried out into some of the bank accounts belonging to the defendants and “multiple deposits of large quantities of cash” were identified as well as multiple income transactions from “third parties”.
The court heard Patrick McDonagh Snr had 10 bank accounts and saw payments into his accounts totalling more than £120,000 a year while receiving a legitimate income from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and child tax credits accounts of approximately £16,500 per annum.
Francie McDonagh had a turnover in his bank account of £96,800 between December 12, 2019, and August 12, 2021, with cash deposits of in excess of £8,600 and third-party transfers of more than £76,000.
John Paul McDonagh had income from the DWP accounting for £18,310 of a total turnover of £63,122 with more than £14,000 directly referenced to “dogs”.
Martin McDonagh’s Halifax account saw cash deposits of almost £56,000 and only £64,000 of a turnover of £167,331 could be accounted for by DWP transactions.
Martin McDonagh, Francie McDonagh, Patrick McDonagh Jnr, John Paul McDonagh, Patrick McDonagh Snr, and Eddie McDonagh all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and to failing to meet the needs of puppies in the their care under Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Rosaleen McDonagh, Angela McDonagh, Mary Louise McDonagh, Mary Christina McDonagh Snr and Mary Christina McDonagh Jnr all admitted failing to meet the needs of puppies in their care under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Heath Edwards, for Martin McDonagh, said the operation had been “unsophisticated” and said only a “fraction” of the dogs sold had been unwell. He said the criminality lay in misrepresenting the animals as home-bred and purchasers got “the same pet just not exactly the one they thought they were buying”. He said his client was a hardworking father-of-six and a good neighbour and he said they were his instructions that the defendant “has no available funds”.
Clare Wilks, for Patrick McDonagh Snr, said the father-of-six had been alcohol-dependent for more than 20 years and battles with his addiction on a daily basis. She said the defendant had been a scrap car dealer and said while the prosecution put the figure of the fraud at £300,000 that cash had been shared between members of the “family network”. The barrister said the defendant “led a rather solitary lifestyle” with his family, had depression and anxiety, and was “something of a closed book” in regard to opening up about the difficulties in his life.
Clare Wilks, for Eddie McDonagh, said the defendant had joined the conspiracy when it was already in existence and said his role had been limited to transporting puppies between locations including importing five puppies from the continent. She said the defendant was on medication for depression.
Andrew Taylor, for Francie McDonagh, said his client had been a roofer but when his work dried up due to Covid he became involved in the puppy conspiracy. He said the defendant was expecting his fifth child in June and was “extremely fearful” of the outcome of the case. The barrister added that “if chivalry exists it exists in his family” with the males taking responsibility and pleading to conspiracy while not guilty pleas on behalf of the females had been accepted by the prosecution.
Steve Burnell, for John Paul McDonagh, said the defendant had been involved in the buying ang selling of vehicles prior to the Covid pandemic and regrets getting involved in the puppy operation. He said the father-of-two was on anti-anxiety medication and was not currently in work.
James McKenna, for Patrick Christopher McDonagh Jnr, said his client had been aged 18 at the time of the offending and had been involved in the sale of some of the dogs. He said the client was married and had a one-year-old daughter and was keen to improve his literacy skills.
Andrew Kendall, for Mary Christine McDonagh Snr, said the defendant had no previous convictions and was the sole carer for her children.
The barrister also represented Mary McDonagh Jnr and said on her behalf she been present at Dover with her husband Eddie when dogs had been imported into the UK.
Stephen Donoghue, for Rosaleen McDonagh, said a report before the court concluded the mother-of-four presented a low risk of reoffending and it had not identified any rehabilitation needs on her part.
Rhodri Chudleigh, for Mary Louise McDonagh, said the mother-of-two was suffering with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Timothy Evans for Angela McDonagh, said the defendant was heavily pregnant with her fifth child and had dedicated her life to raising her family. He said his client had spent the last three years “agonising” over what would happen to her and her husband and said it was fair to say that she approaches the next year or so with “terror”.
Judge Geraint Walters said the background to the case was the dog population of some nine million animals in the UK and the buying and selling of around 800,000 puppies every year.
He said the McDonagh family fraud had been a sophisticated and carefully planned operation involving the transportation of animals likely bred in East European puppy farms into the UK as well as the breeding of pups in Wales, the keeping of animals in dirty and unsanitary conditions, a range of documentation, and the use of multiple emails, names, and addresses.
He told the defendants their motivation had been financial and they had paid little regard to the welfare of the animals involved. He said the puppy breeding selling had caused “unspeakable distress” to its victims.
The judge noted that in the cases of the female defendants the maximum sentence available at the time of the offending was one of six months in prison for a summary-only offence though that maximum had subsequently been increased to five years. However he said he was bound to pass sentence having regard to the law as it applied at the time and would effectively sit as a district judge to exercise the power to sentence a summary-only matter.
Following the sentencing RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall, said: “We’d very much like to thank all those who helped us bring this case to court, from Gwent Police, veterinary practices, witnesses, Newport Council trading standards and The Animal and Plant Health Agency. The heart-breaking 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.”
Gwent Police constable Bianca Robson-Mallet, who was the officer in charge of the warrant, said the force works closely with the RSPCA in animal cruelty cases and said colleagues had been receiving “intel” for a few months prior to the warrant.
PC Robson-Mallet later rehomed one of the dogs seized during the operation.
Sentencing |
Martin Joseph McDonagh: three and a half years in prison Patrick Christopher McDonagh Snr: three and a half years in prison Francie Gabriel McDonagh: three years and two months in prison John Paul McDonagh: three years in prison Eddie McDonagh: 20 months in prison Patrick Christopher McDonagh Jnr: 18 months in prison.
They will each serve up to half those sentences in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.
Rosaleen Marie McDonagh, Angela Christina McDonagh, Mary Louise McDonagh, Mary Christina McDonagh Snr, and Mary Christina McDonagh Jnr were each made the subject of a 12-month community order and were ordered to complete rehabilitation courses.
Mary Christina McDonagh Jnr was also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work, Mary Louise McDonagh was ordered to do 160 hours of unpaid work,
Rosaleen Marie McDonagh was fined £200, Angela Christina McDonagh was fined £200, and Mary Christina McDonagh Snr was fined £500.
The male defendants were banned from keeping dogs for 15 years while the female defendants only received a 10-year ban on keeping dogs.
CONVICTED (2024) | Dane Crawford, born c. 1993, and Shelby Wallis (born 3 October 2000), both of 18 Howgill Avenue, Lancaster LA1 2HG – for offences relating to illegal ear cropping and serious wildlife crime.
Lancaster man Dane Crawford was jailed for 30 months and given a lifetime ban for a ‘portfolio’ of animal cruelty offences against a fox and his own pet dogs, while partner Shelby Wallis walked free with a suspended prison sentence and 10-year ban.
Crawford and Wallis both pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act, which included failing to treat their two lurchers’ injuries, including one badly fractured leg, and for allowing the ears of two of their bullbreeds – Drey and Shakira – to be illegally cropped.
Crawford also admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a fox after setting dogs on the wild animal inside a garage.
Dogs recovered from the couple included bull breeds Drey and Shakira, both of whom had illegally cropped ears.
The RSPCA launched an investigation following reports of puppies having their ears cropped, leading to a warrant being executed by police at a property in Lancaster in February 2022.
A number of dogs were present but there was no evidence of any crimes having been committed.
During the property search, two mobile phones were recovered which contained images and videos of wildlife being attacked by dogs. This prompted a further warrant, on November 1 2022, in which Crawford was arrested.
Lurchers Major and Lassie were found with untreated injuries after being used by Dane Crawford to attack wild animals including foxes.
During this search, more dogs were found at the property, including two lurchers – called Major and Lassie – with untreated injuries, and bullbreeds with cropped ears. Five dogs in total were removed and placed into RSPCA care.
An image recovered from Crawford’s mobile phone showed Crawford with one of his dogs and a dead fox.
Investigators also looked into the images and videos from the phones, two of which showed foxes being set loose in confined spaces with dogs encouraged to attack them.
RSPCA Inspector Will Lamping, who led the investigation, said after the case: “An image was recovered showing Crawford in very distinctive trainers with one of his dogs, holding a dead fox.
“We could identify him within the video of the fox being attacked because of these trainers.”
A vet assessed the lurchers and bullbreeds after they were removed from the home of Crawford and Wallis.
She described Major’s facial injuries as “unusual” and “traumatic”, and suspected they’d been caused by another animal at least 72 hours before. She said, in her witness statement, that the owner should have sought veterinary advice.
She described Lassie’s fractured leg as ‘a traumatic wound’, adding: “I am not sure how it happened but the dog has been left with a very painful leg and the owner had not sought timely veterinary advice. As such there was development of swelling and more pain, and infection.”
Inspector Lamping added: “In interview, Crawford told me he got the two lurchers six weeks before from Appleby. Wallis told me that the three bullbreed dogs were hers and that they’d been imported.”
Lassie and Major were signed over into the RSPCA’s care a few days after they were removed. After spending some time receiving treatment, were both rehomed. The bullbreeds were signed over at a later date.
Sentencing the couple, Judge Simon Medland KC said they had shown “cruel and neglectful behaviour” which caused the animals to suffer “to a substantial degree”.
Addressing Crawford in relation to the offences against the fox, he said: “Your behaviour was criminal and utterly shocking.”
Following the sentencing, Inspector Lamping said: “This case sends a clear message to those that choose to engage in wildlife persecution and ear cropping that their cruel activities will not be tolerated.
“It took many hours to comb through the videos and pictures on the phones recovered; but this work uncovered the serious level of cruelty shown to both the wild animals literally being thrown to the dogs – and to the puppies whose ears were being mutilated.
“The defendants’ own dogs were used in these attacks and were left without vet treatment for serious injuries – including a fractured leg.
“Both have been handed lengthy bans on keeping animals, and handed prison or suspended prison sentences, for their treatment of animals.”
Sentencing | Crawford: 30 months in prison; £3,500 towards costs. Disqualified from keeping all animals for life. Wallis: three-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months; 200 hours of unpaid work; £2,500 towards costs. Disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2024) | Wally David Beaney, born 15/11/1984, his wife Maria Smith, born 18/05/1988, and her mother Louise Smith, born 28/08/1960, all of 2 Beechwood Gardens, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0SD, Charlotte Lauren Byron, born 15/04/1987, of Longfield Road, Meopham, Gravesend, and her mother Deborah Lorraine Lampard aka Deborah Kirsch, born 11/08/1964 of 123 Highview, Vigo, Gravesend DA13 0UT – kept dozens of dogs in horrific conditions and sold gravely ill and dying dogs to buyers.
Of the five members of a gang of fraudulent puppy farmers estimated to have netted £500,000,, only one escaped a prison sentence. L-R Maria Smith, Wally Beaney, Debbie Lampard, Charlotte Byron
The cruel and illicit activities of the gang were uncovered during a raid on 22 September 2021 by rural crime police officers and the RSPCA. A total of 36 dogs and three cats were taken away and £10,000 was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Police made eight arrests, acting on four animal welfare warrants and also seized 12 vehicles and were able to return a farm vehicle to its owner.
All members of the gang, apart from Debbie Lampard who walked free with a conditional discharge, received prison sentences for duping the public and showing ‘cruelty and neglectful behaviour’ that led to the death of multiple dogs.
The gang reaped considerable financial benefit by repeatedly breeding dogs, while failing to provide appropriate medical care.
Some of the puppies had been poorly with parvo virus – a highly contagious and often fatal illness – and had died within days of being taken to their new home.
During a raid on three properties in Kent in October 2021 over 30 puppies were recovered.
A vet described the puppies’ living conditions as ‘dark and smelly’, with three puppies requiring ‘urgent’ veterinary attention.
Many adult dogs were also found in the garden of the raided properties – including two pregnant dogs who were riddled with parasites and dental issues.
Phones containing enquiries from people about purchasing the puppies were also seized during the search.
RSPCA inspector Vikki Dawe said: ‘These dogs were all being kept in horrible conditions with very poor care which did not remotely reflect the expectations of buyers who saw the adverts placed for them.’
Woolwich Crown Court heard that, in one instance, three Golden Retriever puppies, all purchased from Byron’s address in Kent in July 2021, died within four days of being purchased.
Wally Beaney, a traveller, received the longest custodial term of the gang
A vet who examined the case said in a statement: ‘This suggests that the seller knew a litter mate was sick at the time of their sale.
‘Yet the other puppy purchasers were not notified, either at purchase that a litter mate was unwell or that a litter mate became unwell.
‘It is my opinion that the seller failed to protect the three pups discussed in this report by not sharing with the new owners that he had detected signs of disease in another litter mate.’
Beaney with wife Maria Smith, who also went to jail
All five defendants were sentenced on January 25, 2024.
Wally Beaney pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as well as one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Louise Smith pleaded guilty to one offence under Animal Welfare Act 2006 and one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Maria Smith pleaded guilty to two offences under Animal Welfare Act 2006, and a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Charlotte Byron pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Debbie Lampard pleaded guilty to selling puppies without a licence.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: ‘Those convicted reaped considerable financial benefit by repeatedly breeding dogs, all the while failing to provide the animals and their puppies with appropriate medical care, such as worming medication and inoculations.
‘They demonstrated cruelty and neglectful behaviour that ultimately led to numerous animals losing their lives unnecessarily.’
Sentencing |
Wally Beaney: four and a half years’ immediate custody. Ten year-ban on keeping dogs.
Louise Smith: two years and four months in custody, Banned from keeping dogs for five years.
Maria Smith: two years and four months in custody. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.
Charlotte Byron: two years and three months in custody.No ban.
Debbie Lampard: 18-month conditional discharge. No ban.
CONVICTED (2023/24) | Lauren Angela Downes, born 3 May 1985, of Parc Mellan, Penzance TR18 3PB, and Wayne Hickman, born c. 1979, also of Penzance – left their dog in constant pain with chronic dental disease.
Lauren Downes pleaded guilty to causing suffering to the Staffy-type dog named Ruby and was sentenced in August 2023. Her partner, hotel worker Wayne Hickman, initially denied the charges, but later changed his plea. His sentencing hearing was in January 2024.
Wayne Hickman and his partner Lauren Downes left Ruby in constant pain from untreated dental disease
Hickman’s defence barrister told the court that his client had no money, was in arrears with his rent and was in the process of being evicted from his home.
“He accepts that he can’t have a dog for the foreseeable future and there is genuine remorse that at a time when he was struggling with a relationship breakdown,” he said.
“His dog was neglected in a way that it should not have been.”
Sentencing Hickman, Judge Simon Carr said the circumstances of this case were “chilling”.
“You were joint owner with your partner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier,” he said.
“One of the features in the reports of this case that I have read is that this was one of the most mild mannered and gentle and amenable dogs it was possible to imagine.
“In some ways that makes the brutality it experienced even worse.”
He said in 2022 when Hickman was living with Downes it was obvious during a veterinary visit paid for by others that this dog needed “substantial” dental care.
The photographs of the dog’s teeth were not easy to look at, he said, and it would be obvious to anyone seeing them that work needed to be done.
“The dog would have been in constant pain,” he said.
He said despite separating from his partner he continued to see the dog and would have been aware she was suffering and the appalling conditions in which she was kept and yet he did nothing.
He said even if Hickman could not have afforded a vet he could have contacted the RSPCA and any other organisation.
“Instead you chose to close your eyes, turn your back and allow your dog to suffer as this dog suffered every minute of every day with those pains,” he said.
“When you take on responsibility for an animal you take on a huge responsibility. It is you they look to for security and food for treatment when they need it. Taking on an animal is not something you take on part time and you failed consummately in your obligations.”
During Lauren Downes’ sentencing hearing the court noted that custody was appropriate given the prolonged incidents of serious neglect that caused very high levels of suffering to the dog , despite warnings and professional advice.
Sentencing | Wayne Hickman: 12-week custodial suspended for two years; £1,000 towards costs. Banned from owning a dog for 10 years (expires January 2034) . Lauren Downes: 12-week custodial suspended for 18 months; rehabilitation; 200 hours of unpaid work; £400 towards costs plus £154 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping all animals for 15 years (expires August 2038).
CONVICTED | serial violent animal abuser Dominic John Callum Jackson aka Dominic Holmes, born 15 October 1997, of Cotswold Terrace, Stanley DH9 6QH – for attacks on multiple pets, causing serious or fatal injuries, while neglecting and starving others; others suffered horrendous neglect and starvation at the home shared with co-defendant Laura Louise Smith, born c. 1992.
Sadistic serial pet abuser Dominic Jackson is disqualified from keeping animals for life while gormless partner Laura Smith, who also goes by the names Laura Jackson or Laura Holmes, only received a one-year ban
Monstrous Dominic Jackson pleaded guilty to inflicting blunt force trauma and physical violence on his pets after he was prosecuted by the RSPCA following reports that he had been seen kicking cats.
Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard how inspectors from the charity had visited the home of Jackson and Smith on January 28, 2023, to find a number of animals – some of whom were underweight – living in poor conditions.
In her evidence, inspector Rowena Proctor, who attended the property with her colleague Heidi Cleaver, said: “The living room smelled strongly of cat urine and was unclean throughout with very dirty litter trays.
Several of the cats appeared to be very underweight with ribs and pelvis felt with ease. One cat in particular was of major concern.
“I spotted her lying on the top of a corner unit which was around 7.5 feet (2.2 metres) tall and she appeared to be deceased. I was eventually able to reach up far enough to get hold of the cat who thankfully was still alive but appeared weak and lethargic.
“Her name was Missy and she was the skinniest of all of the cats. Our concerns relating to the animal’s weights were explained and following discussion with myself and inspector Cleaver, all cats were put into carriers and removed from the property.”
The animals – five cats called Missy, Toby, Tabby, Felix and Simba, and a crested gecko called Bumblebee – were taken straight for veterinary treatment and later seized by the police as evidence. The vet said all of the cats were suffering and four of them were too thin, although they all made good weight gains with appropriate care in the weeks that followed.
Veterinary notes seen by the RSPCA during the investigation revealed how other pets previously belonging to Jackson – a guinea pig; a ferret; three cats called Tibby, BamBam and Bambi; a black terrier type puppy called Lulu and one unknown species of animal – had also sustained injuries or died without explanation or veterinary intervention.
Tibby was found to have sustained a broken back leg after reportedly falling off the bed when alone in the bedroom with Jackson and died. A ferret called Maggie and a guinea pig were said to have been found dead in their cages by Jackson, who claimed other cats had fallen down the stairs or been found dead behind the sofa. Lulu had suffered a head trauma but has since been rehomed by the RSPCA.
The court heard how Jackson had admitted punching Toby with a closed fist after he’d eaten another cat’s food, resulting in the cat having to have his eye removed. He also said he had slapped Missy and Felix, but could offer no explanation as to why other animals had unexpectedly got injured or died.
Another vet who gave evidence as part of the case, said none of the animals were reported to have sustained accidental injuries such as road traffic accidents or falling from a significant height.
“In my opinion, Missy, Toby, Felix, Simba and Tabby have all been caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse,” he said.
“Suffering will have been experienced by these animals via mechanisms of fear, distress and pain for variable periods of time.
“In my opinion it is highly likely that the dog made known as Lulu was also caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse, although the details of the circumstances surrounding the injuries to this dog are not sufficient to draw this conclusion with surety.”
Most of the animals removed from the property on January 28 were signed over to the RSPCA during the course of the investigation and have since been rehomed by the charity. A deprivation order made by the court will ensure any that still remain – or have been brought since – must be handed over and will be rehomed.
Jackson was given eight weeks’ custody, suspended for two years, on each of the three offences to run concurrently. He was also given a lifetime disqualification order on keeping animals.
In mitigation, he told the court he was vulnerable and suffering from poor mental health and repeatedly claimed that someone else was responsible for coming into the house and harming the animals.
In September 2023, Laura Smith pleaded guilty to one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and received a conditional discharge and one-year ban.
Speaking after the conclusion of the court hearing, inspector Proctor said: “This was an extremely upsetting and disturbing investigation as it became clear during the course of our enquiries that a large number of animals had suffered neglect and deliberate cruelty at the hands of Jackson. He had a duty of care towards his pets but instead inflicted violence and injuries.”
Sentencing | Dominic Jackson: eight-week custodial suspended for two years for each of the three offences to run concurrently; £360 in costs and a victim surcharge of £154. Banned from keeping animals for life. Laura Smith: 12-month conditional discharge. One-year ban which expires September 2024.
