Happy homes for dogs involved in illegal puppy trade case in Newport 

Penelope, Dottie and Stella have gone on to find forever homes

Young dogs rescued from unscrupulous puppy traders as part of a major RSPCA investigation have found their forever homes.

Twenty-one dogs were seized by Gwent Police back in 2020 with some of those rescued  found in poor health and were kept in inappropriate conditions. Another two were found at another property and were also in poor health.

The warrant formed part of Operation Earth – led by RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit – which revealed £300,000 worth of dogs advertised – with dogs and puppies being sold to members of the public under false pretences. Advertised as home bred, healthy, and a well socialised family pet – the puppies were in some cases bred in sheds, purchased from elsewhere and a number of them were imported.

The RSPCA found that the dogs and puppies that were sold with a variety of health concerns had been imported from Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Ireland. It was also thought they were imported illegally due to the lack of passports and vaccinations.

The case concluded on Wednesday 21 February with six men imprisoned and were disqualified from keeping dogs for 15 years. Five women also received community orders and were disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years. 

The six men previously pleaded guilty to a fraud charge – and all 11 pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Dottie (above), Stella and Penelope were among the dogs rescued in this case and have now found their forever homes. 

Dottie has been rehomed by Gwent police officer Bianca Robson-Mallet, who was the officer in charge of the warrant, and also executed it on the day.

“This was my first animal welfare warrant I had done within my policing career and I had a massive interest in seeing it through because of my love towards animals,” said Bianca.

“I had taken an interest in what happened to the dogs once seized and what the rehoming process would be. When I was told it was as simple as being able to apply via fostering first and then a chance of adoption I jumped at it knowing I could give one of the dogs rescued a good home.”

Cockapoo crossbreed Dottie was around 12 weeks old when Bianca was able to pick her up from RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre.

When she was found by rescuers she was in a penned area at the rear of a mobile home.

“She was so loving and had such a good temperament from the off,” said Bianca. “She never caused us any issues and fitted in perfectly. (left pictured on the day they picked up Dottie).

“She loves coastal walks, trips to the beach, and loves spending time with her bestie, my in-laws labradoodle.

“I feel so lucky to have given Dottie a loving and caring life.”

While Chihuahua Penelope was found in a cupboard in a caravan on the day of her rescue. Scared and frightened she came into the care of the RSPCA. Rescuers noted she was “nervous” but in a “reasonable body condition”.

She was initially fostered for two years by Ann Hawkins – who has now officially become her owner. 

Ann said: “Penelope is such a sweet little girl. She lives with two small other dogs, both rescued from the RSPCA. One is a boy chihuahua named Pepe and we refer to him and Penelope as ‘two peas in a pod’ because they are inseparable. 

“The other is a female imperial shih-tzu named Pia and they too enjoy each other’s company. Penelope enjoys regular walks, playtime and finding a sunny spot to lay in. She loves cuddles and sleeps under the covers at bedtime. We are so lucky to share our lives with her. I hope we make her just as happy as she makes us!”

Stella (pictured at the warrant and in her new home) was rehomed by former Gwent Police sergeant Kate Candy. Jack Russell Terrier/pug Stella was found roaming the site when Gwent

Police and the RSPCA attended

Kate said she immediately became one of the family. “Stella has settled in brilliantly with us and fits right in with our other dogs,” she said “She mostly just wants to be cuddled all the time!”

RSPCA special operations unit inspector Kirsty Withnall said: “The heartbreaking reality of puppy farming is that the welfare of the puppies comes second to making money.

“The sums of money involved are just eye-watering; and it’s another reminder of how unscrupulous this trade can be; and how dangerous poor breeding and trading practices are for dogs, pups and unsuspecting consumers. 

“It is so wonderful to see these dogs now in their forever homes. Dottie, Stella and Penelope look so happy and thankfully their past will hopefully be a distant memory for them now.

“For anyone looking to buy a puppy, rather than adopt – we urge them to do their research, know the signs of an unscrupulous breeder and use tools such as the Puppy Contract to avoid becoming another victim of the puppy trade.” 

The other dogs in this case have been happily rehomed, or are currently with foster carers.