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A man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from keeping animals for his involvement in running a puppy farm in his partner’s backyard in Kent.

Glen Hayes (DoB: 11/07/65) of Beatty Avenue, Gillingham, appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on the 26th of November for a sentencing hearing having been convicted earlier this month of 10 animal welfare offences.

He was disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely and handed a 20-week prison term suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, fined £3,500 and ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Sentencing Hayes, the Judge reminded the court of his concluding remarks at trial that Hayes was working behind-the-scenes ‘back of house’ at the puppy farm.

The RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) joined Metropolitan Police to execute a warrant at a property in Bexleyheath in January after calls from concerned members of the public who had bought puppies from the address in the run-up to Christmas.

When officers arrived they found 38 dogs and 18 cats being kept in filthy conditions in makeshift pens in the garden and in small runs and cages in the house.

RSPCA Inspector Carroll Lamport, who investigated, said: “We’d been contacted by numerous people buying puppies who had grown suspicious of the operation that was being run from the house in Bexleyheath. People were concerned that they were never allowed beyond the living room when they visited the house to see the puppies and many who had purchased dogs reported that their pets had quickly fallen ill.

“Sadly, in some cases, people’s beloved new pet puppies had been so poorly that they’d died.”

In the month leading up to Christmas, the RSPCA received six complaints relating to Basset hounds, dachshunds and a boxer. One of the pups – a dachshund – died on Christmas Day having contracted parvovirus.

When officers raided the property they discovered pedigree cats and fashionable dog breeds – such as Newfoundlands, dachshunds, French bulldogs and shih tzus – being kept in completely unacceptable conditions. All of the animals were removed and taken into RSPCA care.

One Newfoundland was found with seriously deformed legs and couldn’t walk while many of the dogs were covered in mud, faeces and their coats were matted with dirt. Some of the dogs had severe dental disease, some with docked tails and many had nasty eye infections or ears clogged with built-up hair and wax.

An independent vet who joined officers on the raid to check all of the animals said it was some of the worst conditions he’d ever seen.

Inspector Lamport added: “Everything was covered in filth and mud. All of the dogs were caked in the stuff – it was disgusting.

“The dogs had no way of getting out of the damp, dirty conditions. And the cats were being kept in cramped pens with two adults and a kitten found shut inside a tiny rabbit hutch-type enclosure.

“The house and garden were total mayhem but the living room – the only space prospective buyers were allowed access to – couldn’t have been more different. A pristine and impeccably clean space.

“Mr Hayes was involved in the day-to-day care of these animals and should have known better than to keep them in such horrendous conditions.

“Thankfully, we were able to save these lovely dogs and cats and they will all go on to lead much happier and healthier lives.”

All of the animals have since been rehomed or are in foster care awaiting new homes.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “Unfortunately we know that lots of unscrupulous dealers will up their operations in the run-up to Christmas and try to cash in on families hoping to bring a dog into their lives.

“It’s devastating that, as in this case, many families will spend Christmas mourning the death of their new puppy when they should be celebrating a new addition to their home.

This is a list of the offences Hayes was convicted of:

• Between 18 January 2018 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to a Newfoundland by failing to provide veterinary care in respect of conjunctivitis, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 28 December 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to a Newfoundland by failing to address the dog’s coat which was extensively matted by a combination of mud and/or faeces, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 28 December 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to a certain animal namely a white terrier type dog by failing to investigate and address the dog’s poor bodily condition, skin disease and periodontal disease, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 25 October 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to a tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by failing to provide veterinary care regarding severe periodontal disease, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 25 November 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to a black Newfoundland by failing to investigate and address the dog’s orthopedic problems, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 11 January 2018 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to a tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by failing to provide veterinary care for otitis externa, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 14 December 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to six dogs by failing to address the dogs’ severely matted coats, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 14 December 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, caused unnecessary suffering to two dogs by failing to provide veterinary care regarding periodontal disease, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 25 December 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, failed to meet the needs of 38 dogs, contrary to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;

• Between 25 December 2017 and 25 January 2018 in Bexleyheath, being jointly concerned with another, failed to meet the needs of 18 cats, contrary to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A Pembrokeshire man has been fined after causing his 13-year-old dog to suffer with hyperthermia after leaving him in a hot car amid sweltering, dangerous June weather conditions.

John Foster, aged 66, of Merrion Village, Castlemartin, admitted causing his crossbreed dog – Boysie – to suffer after confining the dog to the boot of a hatchback car on 30 June, shortly after 1pm.

He pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon (19 November).

Dyfed-Powys Police and the RSPCA were alerted after the dog was left alone, and tied-up, in the car, at Haverfordwest’s Tesco superstore. Two windows were open on the vehicle with a gap of approximately an inch.

Witnesses reported distressed behaviour from the dog. Tesco staff made attempts to reach the car owner via PA announcements, but Foster failed to return to the car and Police were subsequently contacted.

By-standers squirted water into the car, with the dog seen licking the liquid from cardboard that was lining the boot. However, the water evaporated quickly due to heat within the car – highlighting the high temperatures the crossbreed was experiencing.

The Police – following discussions with the RSPCA – broke into the vehicle to rescue the dog.

Foster, when eventually returning to the vehicle, accepted no responsibility for the situation but was instead concerned about the damage to his car.

The temperature rose from 23°C to 25°C outside – but had reached 55°C in a neighbouring vehicle, demonstrating how dangerous the situation was for the veteran dog.

Clear, conclusive veterinary evidence highlights that the animal suffered as a consequence of the ordeal. Indeed, the episode caused the dog to have hyperthermia, a condition of having a body temperature greatly above normal.

Foster was given a £295 fine, and ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “This was a disgusting, and wholly inappropriate way to treat a dog.

“Hot vehicles are potential death-traps for dogs; and poor Boysie suffered unnecessarily and was left with hyperthermia, as a result of this individual’s negligence.

“Boysie had been left tied-up in the back of this car with no means of safe escape. The weather was sweltering – like it was much of this spring and summer – and my vehicle nearby reached temperature of 55 degrees.

“Members of the public at the store were left hugely distressed by the incident, with the dog dangerously overheated. Thankfully, the consequences were not fatal – but could easily have been so.

“This is a serious animal welfare offence – and we want to see prosecutions like this act as a robust deterrent to future offending, which can be so dangerous for dogs, potentially causing them heatstroke and other major complications.”

Dyfed-Powys Police’s Chief Inspector of specialist operations Mike Melly added: “This was a distressing incident, during which two officers had serious concerns for the welfare of the dog, who was trapped inside the car.

“They could not open the windows, and as the dog was in unnecessary distress, a decision was made to smash the car window under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act. They then took the dog to a shaded area and gave it water to cool it down.

“We would like to remind pet owners to take extra care of animals in hot weather, and urge them not to leave them in a car for any amount of time – the consequences of the heat could be devastating.

“If you do see a dog trapped in a car, we would always advise you to call the police on 101, or call 999 if it is an emergency and the animal is suffering. If necessary, officers will take action to release any animals suffering in a hot car.”

Vets are being urged to report suspected dog fighting injuries by a leading animal welfare charity, following evidence eye-witness accounts are going unreported.

The appeal from the League Against Cruel Sports follows evidence dog fighting is on the rise, with a survey by the Royal Veterinary College showing 15 per cent of veterinary professionals suspecting they had treated at least one dog that was engaged in illegal dog fighting. To the detriment of dog welfare, however, most of the cases are going unreported amid members of the veterinary profession lacking confidence in how to report their suspicions.

Suzanne Heaney, Dog Fighting Programme Manager at the League Against Cruel Sports, said:

“Vets are in a unique position to help tackle dog fighting where animals with suspected fighting injuries are encountered. It is extremely concerning such incidents are not being routinely reported through the mistaken perception that customer confidentiality prohibits veterinary professionals from raising the alarm with animal welfare charities or the police.

The League – which runs a dog fighting investigations department employing and benefiting from the experience of former police officers – stresses the government’s code of practice recognises animal welfare trumps client confidentiality and the vital role vets play in tackling this growing problem. To help overcome the common misconception the charity has published an educational resource for veterinary professionals outlining how to spot signs of dog fighting and what action can be taken.

Warning signs to look out for include puncture wounds in various stages of healing, typically to the head, neck, chest and forelimbs; marks around the neck from weighted collars used in fight training; owners paying in cash to avoid detection for a dog used in fighting; and owners seeking to purchase drugs or medical supplies (such as antibiotics), with a view to crudely treating injuries themselves.

Suzanne Heaney adds:

“The League urges veterinary professionals to familiarise themselves with the injuries and behaviours which indicate dog fighting, then come forward with any suspected cases in confidence to the League. It may be a cliché, but one very true, that it’s better to be safe than sorry – especially when the life of a dog forced to fight depends on people taking action.”

The British Transport Police Dog who was first on the scene following the devastating terror attack on Manchester Arena, is to be honoured by leading vet charity PDSA.

Police Dog (PD) Mojo will receive the PDSA Order of Merit* at a ceremony later this month, for his devotion to duty under the most horrendous circumstances, on 22 May 2017.

Today, Mojo’s former handler and now owner, PC Phil Healy, was joined by PDSA Director of Fundraising, Nigel Spencer, to announce his forthcoming award.

Discussing Mojo’s award, Nigel said: ‘Mojo’s actions on that fateful night enabled the emergency services to carry out their vital work, by helping to search and clear the area of potential secondary devices. Mojo worked tirelessly under conditions he’d never experienced before. For that devotion to duty and service to society, PDSA is honoured to recognise him.”

Mojo’s Story

On 22 May 2017, Police Dog Mojo and his handler PC Phil Healy had returned home after an early shift. Later that evening, news came through of an explosion at the Arianna Grande concert inside Manchester Arena. Phil and Mojo immediately made their way back to work.

PC Healy explained: “On our way over to the Arena, I heard over the police radio that the explosion had been caused by a detonated device and that many people were injured. We also heard that fatalities were already being confirmed.

“We were the first dog team on the scene and it was very chaotic. Our first task was to search Victoria train station’s concourse, which was being used as the main casualty treatment area for the incident. Mojo searched around the injured victims to make sure that the area was safe and clear of further explosives, for the responding emergency services and the public.”

PC Healy and Mojo were then moved into the Arena itself and to the site of the explosion. Mojo worked in horrendous conditions, searching for secondary devices among the sea of unattended, abandoned items, to secure the area and ensure the safety of the Firearms Units and other attending emergency services working in the area.

PC Healy said: “Mojo was working well but he was somehow different. It was as though he didn’t want to be there, among the carnage that surrounded him. But despite this he worked on, clearing the area so that the Firearms Unit could move out of the area safely.”

PC Healy and Mojo were later joined by other dog teams and together, they searched the whole stadium. Mojo worked alongside his handler until 7am the following morning. On their way home, Mojo and PC Healy were called out again to follow up on reports of a suspicious item elsewhere.

Speaking about Mojo’s award, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “PD Mojo worked tirelessly through unimaginable scenes of destruction and utter chaos. His role on the night was to make others safe – members of the public along with the responding emergency services, who each had their vital part to play. His dedication to duty, despite clearly being distressed by what he saw, makes him a deserving recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.”

Mojo retired from British Transport Police duties in August this year, but his service will always be remembered.

Inspector Paul Miles from British Transport Police nominated Mojo for the award. He said: “I am so proud to see Mojo recognised by PDSA in this way. He acted in the finest traditions of policing, under circumstances that you can never fully train for. PC Healy and Mojo have made a stellar team in their time together and, as Mojo adapts to a life of retirement, it’s a wonderful moment to pause and reflect on his service and actions.”

Phil added: “There is no doubt that what Mojo experienced that night had a lasting effect on him, as it has all of us. His receiving the PDSA Order of Merit is a fitting way to recognise his actions. The ceremony will be emotional – I am extremely proud of him.”

Mojo will receive his PDSA Order of Merit at a special closed event later this month. The ceremony will also recognise the work of Greater Manchester Fire Service dogs, Cracker and Echo, whose awards were announced in August.

Mojo will become the 20th recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit, which, to date, has been awarded to seven dogs and ten horses. For more information about the previous recipients, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsaorderofmerit.

PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme was instituted in 1943 by the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin. She believed that if animals were recognised for their heroic actions, it would help to raise their status in society, ensuring that they are better treated.