The situation immediately seemed suspicious to a resident of Eastbourne, England. In the early morning, a dilapidated caravan was parked on an industrial site, with not a soul in sight.
Suddenly, heartbreaking whimpers from inside made the witness's blood run cold. He didn't hesitate to alert the police, a call that would prove to be life-saving.
A horrifying discovery
On 26 July 2021, when the police forced their way into the caravan, the officers and members of the RSPCA who were present discovered a horrific scene. Labrador, Dachshund, and French Bulldog puppies were lying amidst faeces, urine, and dangerous objects such as nails, sharp tools, and exposed electrical wires.
“The floor was completely covered in faeces and wet cardboard. The caravan was absolutely filthy,” described Police Constable Marie Jenner, who was traumatised by what she saw. The puppies were so dehydrated that they couldn't stop drinking the water they were offered.
One puppy did not survive
A vet who arrived at the scene confirmed the puppies' poor condition and the urgent need for a rescue. The animals were seized and given first aid. Fourteen of them had to be rushed to a veterinary clinic.
Tragically, it was too late for one Dachshund puppy, who succumbed to starvation and dehydration. A post-mortem confirmed the severe neglect the puppy had suffered.
Justice for the puppies
The investigation revealed that the caravan had been towed to the location by a 4x4 in the early hours of the morning. The vehicle's owner, 35-year-old Micaela Anderson-Letts from Sunbury-on-Thames in Middlesex, was quickly identified and arrested.
Anderson-Letts, who was already banned from keeping animals, was charged with wilful neglect. She had failed to transport the animals in suitable conditions and had provided no care for them, despite their alarming state of health.
Anderson-Letts pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and on 7 January 2025, was sentenced to a 24-month suspended prison sentence. She also received another ban from keeping animals, this time indefinitely, and was ordered to complete 300 hours of community service.
Thanks to the joint efforts of the police, animal welfare charities, and witnesses, the rescued puppies were placed in loving homes after receiving extensive veterinary care. They can now finally experience the joy of a life they deserve.
Police Constable Marie Jenner expressed her satisfaction: “After years of relentless investigation, I am pleased that this act of cruelty has been punished. These puppies now have a brighter future ahead of them.”
