AARON PHILLIPS CONVICTED IN BALLYNAHINCH FOR CRUELTY AND TRAFFICKING DOGS

Dog transporter Aaron Phillips, also known as Pat Dale and operating under the name AP Canine Transport, was convicted in 2022 for causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Born around 1983 and residing in Riverside Meadows, Ballynahinch BT24 9WN, Phillips was found with 44 dogs crammed into tiny, filthy cages inside his van.

Police discovered the dogs during an inspection on Bordesley Lane, Redditch, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. The dogs, mostly imported from Northern Ireland, included 28 puppies. Phillips was arrested after police confirmed he had stopped in Redditch to offload 16 of the dogs. Authorities accused him of transporting puppies under eight weeks old that were unfit for travel, or without their mother present, which could cause injury or undue suffering.

Phillips faced charges for transporting the animals improperly, including moving 21 dogs and puppies without proper documentation, and for transporting a springer spaniel that was not suitable for the journey. Court papers described the cages as being too small—some dogs unable to stand, sit comfortably, or turn around—and covered with a layer of sawdust emitting a strong smell of urine and faeces.

At the time of arrest, Phillips was detained along with three other men on suspicion of dog theft and animal cruelty. However, charges against the others were eventually dropped. Police seized Phillips’ vehicle and the dogs, and discovered a large sum of money inside the vehicle.

Pcso Katie Hearnden Fellows explained via West Mercia Police’s neighbourhood alert system: “All the animals were seized under the Animal Welfare Act, and West Mercia took civil action against the owners of the dogs being transported. There were two civil court cases, which saw West Mercia successfully retain all but two of the dogs seized. The remaining dogs were rehomed through the Dogs Trust or with foster carers within West Mercia Police, many of whom kept the dogs after court proceedings concluded.”

In sentencing, Phillips received an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to forfeit over £20,000 found during his arrest under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He was also disqualified from transporting or arranging the transportation of any animal for three years.

Despite his legal restrictions, Phillips continues to operate his pet transportation business via Facebook under the name KKC Couriers. Reports indicate he is targeting illegal bloodsports groups, including Hare Coursing Crews, raising concerns about ongoing violations despite his ban, which lasts until July 2025.