Dozens of dogs were kept in poor conditions without access to fresh air, veterinary care and an adequate water supply, the court heard. When RSPCA inspectors visited the area, they discovered that the dogs were living in small cages stacked on top of each other and there was an “overwhelming” smell of urine and faeces.

Swansea Crown Court heard that most of the dogs rescued by the animal charity were found with dirty, matted coats and many had untreated eye, dental or skin problems. An experienced RSPCA inspector said the smell was the worst he had encountered in more than two decades.

John Tarrant, prosecuting, said RSPCA officers visited the isolated property of Beverley Gilson and John Howard in October last year and found a “large number of dogs” locked inside. Although some dogs were allowed to roam freely around the rooms, many were locked in cages covered in feces, and in some cases the cages were stacked on top of each other. The court heard that inspectors noticed the cages were small and that in a small rodent cage they saw a dog “rolling around” with little space to do anything. Water for some cages was supplied through the type of “drip feed” bottles seen in rabbit cages that did not meet the dogs’ needs. For the latest court reports, subscribe to our crime newsletter here

READ MORE:Dozens of dogs live in terrible conditions at an illegal puppy farm

READ MORE: Gang of ‘brazen’ thieves steal £12,000 worth of alcohol in Tesco attacks

The prosecutor said much of the Carmarthenshire area was dark, the ground was covered in faeces and the air had an “pervasive” smell of faeces and urine. He said an RSPCA inspector with more than two decades of experience reported that the smell in one of the rooms was the worst he had encountered in his career and was so strong it made him want to vomit. The court heard that following an inspection of the property it became clear that the dogs were living indoors, had no access to fresh air and were “unable to express normal patterns of behaviour”.



The RSPCA found 48 dogs in the house, many of them living in small cages in dark rooms.



Some cages were so small that the dogs living in them could barely move

The prosecutor said an examination of dozens of dogs found in the home revealed dirty, heavily matted fur, some with feces smeared on their fur and skin, and many with skin, eye, ear and tooth diseases. In total, 48 dogs and one cat were removed from the house. The dogs included poodles, Japanese chins, rough collies, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus and many crosses, although RSPCA rescuers initially struggled to identify some of the breeds due to their matted coats.

Tarrant said prosecutors allege the defendants demonstrated disregard for the animals’ welfare, failed to provide even a basic level of care and failed to seek veterinary help or treatment. He said the RSPCA’s position was that it would not be safe to have any animals in the defendants’ care, given the “complete lack of common sense”.



A dog with very matted fur.
The RSPCA said it was initially difficult to identify the breed of some dogs due to matted and dirty fur.



The image shows a dog looking dirty and dull.
Inspectors found that many of the dogs had dirty, matted fur.



Very matted fur on one of the rescued dogs.
Very matted fur on one of the rescued dogs.

Beverley Gilson, 64, and John Howard, 72, both of Abernant, Carmarthen, had already pleaded guilty to four offenses under the Animal Protection Act when they appeared in the dock to be sentenced. They also had no previous convictions, but the court heard the RSPCA found conditions similar to those seen in Carmarthenshire at the property where they lived in Bristol.

Alicia Carpanini, on behalf of Gilson, said shortly before the RSPCA’s visit to the property that the defendant’s husband had died and that she had been his carer before his death. He said Gilson never intended for the animals to be neglected or harmed, but “it was all up to her” and she wanted to apologize. Kate Williams, representing Howard, said her client was the cousin of the defendant’s late husband, who depended on the couple for most of his adult life. He said Howard was to blame for his “inaction” in not taking action to address what was happening.

Judge Catherine Richards said it was clear from everything she read and heard that the separate rural property had been “a long period of neglect” but there was no suggestion of deliberate cruelty or any commercial element. He said the crime was so serious it exceeded the custodial limit, but he believed neither defendant posed a danger to the public and the risk to animals could be eliminated with a restraining order.

With a quarter discount for pleading guilty, the defendants were sentenced to 15 weeks in prison suspended for nine months, completed a rehabilitation course and carried out 50 hours of unpaid community work. They must also pay £400 in court costs. Gilson and Howard were banned from owning animals for the next five years.

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Kate Hogben said: “Unfortunately, it crossed their minds to have too many dogs at home and they failed to recognize that too many dogs suffered from a range of problems and were kept at home.” inappropriate conditions.

“Fortunately, these dogs have now had a second chance to be happy in their new homes, following veterinary care and attention. “We would like to thank Dyfed Powys Police as well as The Dogs Trust and Hope Rescue for taking in 21 dogs for rehoming.”

Check out the latest crime statistics in your area: