The Italian Greyhounds, some nursing mothers, were found in faeces-smeared pens and crates, with some eating their own excrement.
Dogs in deplorable conditions
The police were alerted to the situation at Daniel Simpson's property and called the RSPCA. The dogs, aged three to 14 weeks, were confined in nine wire pens on urine-soaked bedding, without food or toys, and only one pen had water.
Several breeding females suffered severe dental disease, one had a broken leg, and six puppies were malnourished.
Simpson admitted to five offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including unlicensed breeding, at Teesside Magistrates Court. He was sentenced to an 18-month community order with alcohol treatment, 25 rehabilitation days and ordered to pay £990 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Importance of responsible breeding
RSPCA Inspector Wilson emphasised the importance of responsible breeding, urging potential puppy buyers to verify the breeder's conditions. The RSPCA treated and rehomed the rescued dogs, some of which were fostered by veterinary staff.
Simpson's disqualification from keeping, dealing, and transporting animals will remain uncontestable for six years. The vet's assessment confirmed the dogs' poor living conditions and the likelihood of suffering, leading to their immediate removal and subsequent care by the RSPCA.
This news originally came out in July 2024.
