FRANK JAMES AND MICHELLE WOOD'S ABERDEENSHIRE PUPPY FARM HORROR REVEALED

Frank James, a notorious figure in the world of animal cruelty, along with his accomplice Michelle Wood, have been linked to a series of severe abuses at their puppy farm located in Aberdeenshire. Born on April 5, 1967, James resides at 105 Coronation Way, Montrose, Angus DD10 9DW, while Michelle Wood, born around 1989, is based at Berrymuir Road, Macduff AB44. Their involvement in the mistreatment of numerous animals came to light following a major raid on their operation at East Mains of Ardlogie Farm near Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, with the postcode AB53 8PH.

In November 2017, Scottish SPCA officers, supported by local police, executed a search warrant at the farm, uncovering a shocking scene of neglect and cruelty. A total of 105 animals were rescued from the premises, including 87 dogs, many of which were just a few days old. The conditions in which these animals were kept were described as 'absolutely disgraceful' by the Scottish SPCA’s undercover investigator, who visited the site during the investigation.

The animals, which included dogs, ferrets, and rabbits, were found living in filthy, overcrowded conditions with little regard for their welfare. The farm was essentially functioning as a large-scale puppy breeding operation, with the environment far below acceptable standards for animal care. The investigator noted that the site resembled a battery farm for puppies, with dogs being bred intensively without proper attention to their health or well-being. Evidence uncovered during the raid included a burnt-out van filled with dog carcasses, which was believed to be used as a means of disposing of dead puppies.

Historical records show that Frank James first drew the attention of the Scottish SPCA in 2011 after he sold a poorly cared-for cocker spaniel puppy on Christmas Eve. The puppy was in such poor health that it had to be euthanized by a veterinarian the following day. As a result of this incident, James was banned from having any contact with animals for three years in November 2012. Further investigations in March 2013 revealed more disturbing details, with over 70 dogs seized from the same property. Inspectors found cattle sheds filled with breeding bitches and dogs suffering from lice, skin sores, matted fur, and cysts on their paws due to the unsanitary conditions.

James’s family has a history of involvement in animal welfare offences. In 2014, Frank James, along with his brother Edward James and son Sean James, pleaded guilty to welfare violations. The family’s operations were characterized by overcrowded sheds and neglectful conditions, with dogs suffering from various health issues. As part of their sentence, Frank and Edward James were prohibited from keeping more than two dogs for three years, while Sean James, then 18, was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and was similarly restricted from owning more than two dogs for three years.

Further complicating the case, Frank James’s daughter, Elizabeth Sutherland, born on May 9, 1992, of Kintore, Inverurie, submitted a planning application in September 2016 to Aberdeen Council. The proposal sought to convert the East Mains of Ardlogie farm into breeding kennels, with Sean James listed as the agent. The application faced widespread public opposition and was ultimately rejected at the last minute. Despite this setback, the James family continued their illegal puppy farming activities, with Frank James repeatedly flouting his ban on selling puppies.

In the aftermath of the investigation and legal proceedings, Frank James received a sentence of nine months in prison and a lifetime ban from owning animals. Michelle Wood was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid community service, placed under supervision for two years, and banned from keeping animals for ten years. The case has highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding illegal puppy farms and animal cruelty in the region, drawing significant public and media attention to the plight of the animals involved.