A PUPPY breeder has been sentenced after around 70 dogs were found “living in filth” by police and animal inspectors.

Gary Leese, 37, previously of Pant-y-Pwyddyn Farm in Little Mill, pleaded guilty to five charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 on Monday.

In August 2017 police attended the farm following reports of dogs in the road.

It was then that they discovered the dogs living in appalling conditions.

They immediately alerted the RSPCA to the situation.

Inspector Izzi Hignell attended the scene and said: “The conditions at this property were horrific, it was completely disgusting and a real house of horrors for the poor animals involved.

“Innocent dogs and puppies were living in filth, and I felt sick to the stomach seeing the conditions they were subjected to. Some of them had matted fur and there was a dead puppy.

“This was by far the largest number of dogs I have ever had to deal with in such shocking conditions.

“Fortunately, we were able to act, and can offer a second chance of happiness for the animals that deserve so much better.”

Three dogs were signed over to the RSPCA and several of those in the most severe condition were removed, following advice from a vet.

They included a male labradoodle called Reggie, a golden Labrador named Sally along with her nine puppies, one Newfoundland type dog known as Polar, and a golden retriever named Sky.

Only one of the nine puppies survived, due to their underlying conditions and whilst in RSPCA care Sky gave birth to a litter of puppies.

Welfare advice and warnings were issued and Inspector Hignell continued her investigations. However, in October 2017, the RSPCA received calls from members of the public with concerns about dogs at the property after looking to buy puppies from Mr Leese.

A police warrant was obtained and the RSPCA attended and removed a bulldog and three labradoodle type dogs.

The three labradoodle dogs, named Ffion, Rosie and Emmy were found not to be groomed properly and had severe matted hair, despite advice given previously.

Inspector Hignell added: “It is completely unacceptable that he continued to sell puppies and readily neglected the dogs he had his in care.

“We urge people looking to buy a puppy to carry out thorough research beforehand and if you do come across a breeder that isn’t caring for their dogs appropriately, contact us or the local authority.

"Please don’t feel under pressure to buy a puppy from them and unwittingly help fund the cruel puppy trade."

Mr Leese received a life ban on keeping dogs he and was given a custodial sentence of 12 weeks, suspended for one year.

As well as the suspended custodial sentence and the life ban, Leese was required to pay solicitors fees of £900 and vets fees of £2,858.44 and was ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work. He is not able to appeal the lifetime ban on keeping dogs for 10 years.

The dogs from the case are currently in RSPCA care, and following the conclusion of the court case will be available for rehoming.

For advice on how to find a good puppy breeder visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/breeder.