ALISON AND KAYLEIGH BRANSBY SHOCK WHITCHURCH WITH HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE AND ILLEGAL PUPPY FARM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Whitchurch, Alison and Kayleigh Bransby have been found guilty of operating a large-scale illegal puppy breeding operation, subjecting numerous animals to appalling conditions. Alison Bransby, born around 1960 and residing at White House Farm on Hollins Lane in Tilstock, was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison after admitting to 17 welfare charges involving a total of 27 dogs, eight puppies, two cats, a horse, a lamb, a terrapin, and an African grey parrot. Her daughter, Kayleigh Alice Bransby, born circa 1991 and living at Green Lane Farm in Tushingham, received an 11-week jail sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to nine welfare offences.

Details emerged during the court proceedings revealing that both mother and daughter were engaged in an extensive and illegal commercial dog breeding enterprise. The operation was conducted at their respective properties in Whitchurch, where they advertised their puppies on various online platforms. The animals involved included popular breeds such as cavapoos, cockapoos, dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and terriers. The conditions in which these animals were kept were described as deplorable, with many housed in wooden sheds, pens, and kennels that were often barely larger than a rabbit hutch, offering little to no proper care or space.

The court heard that Alison Bransby had amassed approximately £150,000 through her illegal activities, which involved breeding and selling puppies without the necessary licensing. The investigation into their operation was triggered by reports from concerned members of the public who purchased animals from the pair and observed their poor health and suffering. This led to a coordinated raid by the RSPCA and West Mercia Police at the properties in Whitchurch.

During the raid, authorities discovered dozens of animals in severe neglect. Many were suffering from various health issues, including disease, untreated injuries, and inadequate living conditions. Among the animals seized were fifteen dogs, some with significant health problems, living in dark, cluttered, and unhygienic environments with limited access to water and bedding. Eight puppies, born to a mother dog with only one eye, were found in an outdoor kennel without access to water. Two cats with severe ear infections were also rescued but had to be euthanized due to their suffering.

Additional animals included a lamb with rolled-in lower eyelids, a terrapin with a heavily deformed shell living in an enclosure lacking UV or heat sources, and an African grey parrot with extensive feather loss confined in a filthy cage. The most tragic case involved a thoroughbred mare named Ruby, whose hooves had become severely overgrown, and whose teeth had not been examined for two years. The vet involved in the case recommended euthanasia, which was carried out to end her suffering. The vet also confirmed that the animals had been neglected for at least nine months, with many suffering from advanced disease.

One particularly heartbreaking case was that of Teddy, an elderly King Charles Spaniel who had been repeatedly used for breeding. His condition was so dire that he had to be euthanized to relieve his suffering. The veterinarian stated that none of the 41 animals seized from the property had been provided with a suitable environment, highlighting the extent of neglect and cruelty involved.

Following the intervention, most of the animals were rehomed, including a dachshund named Eric, who was adopted by a police officer involved in the operation. The court also heard that Alison Bransby was experiencing physical and mental health issues during the period of the offences, which may have contributed to her actions. Her son, Rob Bransby, and Kayleigh’s boyfriend, Dan Clare, were also initially charged in connection with the case, though it remains unclear whether their cases will proceed separately or if charges against them have been dropped.

In sentencing, Alison Bransby was ordered to serve 22 weeks in prison, pay costs of £42,000, and was banned from keeping any animals for life. Kayleigh Bransby received an 11-week custodial sentence, suspended for a year, along with 200 hours of unpaid work, a £20,000 fine, and a ten-year ban on keeping animals. Despite her appeal against her conviction and sentence being rejected in November 2022, she was initially released to live with family members pending the outcome but is now expected to serve her full sentence.

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs from the RSPCA’s special operations unit expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the case, emphasizing that most of the animals had been rescued and placed in loving homes. He urged prospective pet owners to adopt rather than buy and to conduct thorough research to ensure responsible sourcing of animals.

In a subsequent update in February 2023, Rob Bransby was sentenced for his role in the illegal breeding operation, receiving a short custodial sentence and a 15-year ban on keeping dogs, further highlighting the severity of the case and the ongoing efforts to combat animal cruelty in the Whitchurch area.