THREE breeders in Cornwall have been banned from keeping dogs and cats for 10 years and have been ordered to pay more than £14,000 in fines and costs.
Alison Gilbert, 60, Amy Gilbert, 33, and Jonathan Roberts, 36, of Lower Biscovillack Farm, near St Austell, pleaded guilty to charges of not taking reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animals in their care were met and of failing to comply with welfare regulations. Amy Gilbert also admitted to an additional offence of causing the unnecessary suffering of animals.
Officers from Cornwall Council’s licensing compliance team carried out an inspection at Lower Biscovillack Farm in February 2023 following complaints from members of the public.
They found more than 60 dogs which had not been spayed or castrated, and three litters of puppies. The dogs were kept in draughty, cold outbuildings, which were overcrowded and dirty.
The officers also found an outside cattery at the premises housing expensive cats such as Bengals, Maine Coons and Ragdolls, as well as some kittens which were being advertised for sale, without the benefit of a pet shop Licence. The cats were dirty, with matted fur and faeces stuck to their coats. The cattery was poorly ventilated and had an overpowering smell of ammonia from urine.
Notices were served which required the breeders to improve the living conditions and cleanliness of all areas where animals were kept and to seek veterinary advice for underweight dogs.
Officers executed a warrant to reinspect the premises in April 2023. They found the conditions had not improved, and Alison and Amy Gilbert’s dog breeding licence was revoked with immediate effect.
During their subsequent investigation, the officers discovered that more than 200 litters of puppies had been sold over a period of a few years. Some of the dogs had been bred from two or three times in a 12-month period.
Truro magistrates have placed disqualification orders on Alison Gilbert, Amy Gilbert and Jonathan Roberts which ban them from owning, keeping and dealing in cats or dogs for 10 years. Amy Gilbert was also given a 12-month community order.
Alison Gilbert was fined £368 with a £147 victim surcharge, Amy Gilbert was fined £923 with a £114 surcharge and Jonathan Roberts was fined £269 with a £108 surcharge. The court awarded Cornwall Council full costs of £12,459.80.
Cllr Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “These individuals showed a blatant disregard for the welfare of the dogs and cats in their care. The animals were being used purely for breeding purposes to make money.
“We will not allow breeders to treat animals in this way and I hope this case acts as an example to others.”