St Austell Dog Breeders Fined Over £14,000 and Banned from Owning Pets for 10 Years

A group of breeders from St Austell has been banned from keeping dogs and cats for 10 years after failing to meet the basic welfare needs of the animals in their care. The trio, Alison Gilbert, Amy Gilbert, and Jonathan Roberts, all of Lower Biscovillack Farm, were ordered to pay more than £14,000 in fines and costs following a court ruling.

Dogs and Cats Found in Poor Conditions

Cornwall Council’s Licensing Compliance team carried out an inspection of Lower Biscovillack Farm in February 2023 after complaints from the public. Officers discovered over 60 dogs, including three litters of puppies, being kept in cold, overcrowded outbuildings. None of the dogs had been spayed or castrated, and their living conditions were described as dirty and draughty.

An outside cattery was also found on the premises, housing expensive breeds such as Bengals, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls. The cats, some of which were being advertised for sale without a Pet Shop Licence, were found in similarly poor conditions, with matted fur and faeces stuck to their coats. The cattery was poorly ventilated, with a strong smell of ammonia from urine.

Photo: Show the conditions at the premises and the dogs that were kept there. – Credit: Cornwall Council

Breeding Licence Revoked

In response, the officers served improvement notices, requiring the breeders to improve living conditions and cleanliness for the animals and to seek veterinary advice for underweight dogs. However, when the officers returned with a warrant in April 2023, they found that the conditions had not improved. As a result, Alison and Amy Gilbert’s dog breeding licence was revoked immediately.

During the investigation, it was revealed that more than 200 litters of puppies had been sold from the farm over a few years, with some dogs being bred two or three times within a 12-month period.

Court Ruling and Fines

On October 2, 2024, the case was heard at Truro Magistrates’ Court, where Alison Gilbert, aged 60, Amy Gilbert, aged 33, and Jonathan Roberts, aged 36, were each given a Disqualification Order, banning them from owning, keeping, or dealing in dogs or cats for the next 10 years. Amy was also given a 12-month Community Order for her involvement.

The trio was fined separately: Alison received a fine of £368 with a £147 victim surcharge, Amy was fined £923 with a £114 surcharge, and Jonathan was fined £269 with a £108 surcharge. Cornwall Council was awarded full costs amounting to £12,459.80 by the Court.

Photo: Show the conditions at the premises and the dogs that were kept there. – Credit: Cornwall Council