Puppy farm's owners given suspended prison terms

ANIMAL breeders have been handed suspended sentences and banned from keeping dogs, for running a puppy farm that left pets suffering physical and mental abuse.

- By LOUIS CORBETT

Breeders Edward Swindells, 50, and Donna Dickens, 62, both of The Clays, Brant Broughton, Peter William Dickens, 67, of Yeaveley, Derbyshire, and Amy Allen, 42, of Jericho Road, Balderton, appeared in Nottingham Magistrates’ Court for sentencing earlier this month.

They were responsible for running Little Rascals or Puppies at Home when the RSPCA launched its inquiry into their practices.

They found that a number of dogs were being exposed to prolonged periods of neglect, and when inspectors visited the site, they discovered a number were also suffering from psychological distress.

An ex-staff member contacted the animal welfare charity and sent videos and photographs to support the claims of “prolonged neglect”.