Puppy farmer jailed after dogs found in dire state

AN illegal West Midland puppy farmer has been jailed after almost 30 dogs were found surrounded by excrement and without food or water.

Kevin Bramwell has been imprisoned after an investigation found the poor animals in premises off Power Station Road, Rugeley.

The dogs were discovered hidden inside vehicles and living in sheds.

They were overcrowded, surrounded by faeces and flies, and showing signs of disease.

Bramwell, 62, of Leathermill Road, Rugeley, admitted 11 charges at Stafford Crown Court – eight of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, one of running a breeding establishment without a licence, one of having an unlicensed pet shop and one of fraud by false representation.

He has been sentenced to 70 weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

A vet assessed 27 dogs and two raccoons that were taken into the council’s possession, all of which have since been rehomed by the Dogs Trust.

The investigation into the puppy farmer found he was breeding dogs and selling them through several websites.

Investigators traced adverts back to 2014, with members of the public believing he was a legitimate puppy seller.

Councillor John Preece, Cannock Chase Council portfolio holder for the environment, urged anyone to check where a puppy has been born and raised before spending their money.

He said “To anyone looking to have a puppy, please consider re-homing a rescue dog from one of the recognised charities that specialise in caring for stray or abandoned dogs.

“If you do decide to buy privately or from a breeder, please make reasonable enquiries about the vendor, and ensure you see the mother and puppies together at the place where they were born and raised.”