CONVICTED (2022) | puppy farmers Alison Bransby, born c. 1960, of White House Farm, Hollins Lane, Tilstock, Whitchurch SY13 3NU, and daughter Kayleigh Alice Bransby, born c. 1991, of Green Lane Farm, Tushingham, Whitchurch SY13 4QS – kept 35 dogs among other animals in horrific conditions.
Alison Bransby was jailed for 22 weeks after admitting 17 welfare charges relating to 27 dogs, eight puppies, two cats, a horse, a lamb, a terrapin and an African grey parrot. This included one offence of breeding and selling puppies without a licence.
Her daughter, Kayleigh Bransby, who works for the NHS as a radiographer, admitted nine offences and was given an 11-week jail term, suspended for 12 months.
The court heard how mother and daughter were illegally operating an extensive commercial dog breeding operation at the site and advertised the enterprise on different websites.
Dogs and puppies, which included cavapoos, cockapoos, dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and terriers, were housed in wooden sheds, pens and kennels, some barely bigger than a large rabbit hutch.
The court heard that Alison Bransby had made £150,000 from illegally breeding and selling puppies.
An investigation was launched after people alerted the RSPCA about animals bought from the pair at White House Farm and who had become sick.
A raid by the RSPCA and West Mercia Police discovered dozens of neglected animals, which were suffering disease and other health conditions and without adequate facilities.
These included:
- Fifteen dogs, some with significant health conditions, living in dark, cluttered and unhygienic conditions with limited access to water and bedding.
- Eight puppies born to a one-eyed mother dog, found in an outdoor kennel block with no water.
- Two cats with significant ear disease. Both were put to sleep.
- A lamb whose lower eyelids had rolled in.
- A terrapin with a heavily deformed shell living in an enclosure with no UV or heat source
- An African grey parrot with extensive feather loss living in a filthy cage
- A thoroughbred mare called Ruby with severely overgrown hooves that had not been treated for at least six months and teeth that had not been seen for two years. Tragically she too was euthanised on the advice of a vet
The animals had been inadequately cared for for at least nine months due to the extent of disease present, a vet said.
One elderly, emaciated King Charles Spaniel, called Teddy, had been used for repeated breeding. He was in such poor condition that he had to be put to sleep to end his suffering.
A vet said that none of the 41 animals that were seized had been provided with a suitable environment.
All but three of the animals have since been rehomed, including a dachshund Eric, who was adopted by a police officer who assisted in the operation.
The court heard that Alison Bransby was suffering from physical and mental health issues during the time of the offences.
Rob Bransby, whom we believe to be Alison Bransby’s son, was also originally charged following the raid, as was Kayleigh Bransby’s boyfriend Dan Clare. It’s not known if they are to be sentenced separately or if the cases against them have been dropped.
Sentencing |
Alison Bransby: jailed for 22 weeks; ordered to pay £42,000 costs. Banned from keeping all animals for life.
Kayleigh Bransby: 11-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months; 200 hours of unpaid work; £20,000 costs. 10-year ban on keeping all animals.
Daily Mail
BBC News
Shropshire Star
Update November 2022
Alison Bransby appealed against her conviction and custodial sentence but on Friday 18 November 2022 this was rejected by judges.
The defendant had been reportedly released to live with family members pending the appeal but she is now expected to serve her sentence in full.
Speaking after the hearing, chief inspector Ian Briggs from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, which investigated the illegal selling, said: “We’re pleased this case has finally concluded and that the vast majority of the animals who suffered such terrible neglect are now living happy lives in loving new homes.
“We’d always encourage anyone thinking of getting a puppy to adopt rather than buy, and to do lots of research first to ensure they source a dog responsibly.”
Update February 2023
Rob Bransby has now been sentenced for his part in the illegal breeding operation. He was given a short custodial term and 15-year ban on keeping dogs. Full details here.