GLEN HAYES, GILLINGHAM PUPPY FARMER, BUSTED IN LONDON ANIMAL ABUSE SCANDAL

Glen Hayes, a man from Gillingham, was found guilty of multiple animal welfare violations linked to a disturbing puppy farming operation. Born on May 11, 1965, Hayes resided on Beatty Avenue, Gillingham ME7 2BZ, and was involved in the illegal breeding and sale of puppies and cats under deplorable conditions.

His criminal activities came to light when authorities uncovered a large-scale animal cruelty case centered around a property in Bexleyheath, London. Hayes was implicated in profiting from the suffering of numerous animals, including dozens of dogs and cats kept in squalid, makeshift enclosures in the back garden of Janet Oxlade’s residence. The investigation revealed that a total of 38 dogs and 18 cats were being confined in filthy, overcrowded pens, many of which were in a state of neglect and filth.

The RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU), in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, executed a warrant at the property in January 2018. The operation was prompted by numerous calls from concerned members of the public who had purchased puppies from the address during the Christmas period and had grown suspicious of the conditions. These buyers reported that they were only allowed to see the puppies in the house’s living room, which appeared to be meticulously clean, while the animals were kept in the garden and in cages, often in unsanitary conditions.

Inspector Carroll Lamport of the RSPCA explained that many of the buyers had expressed concern that their new pets quickly fell ill, with some puppies dying shortly after purchase. One of the puppies, a dachshund, tragically succumbed to parvovirus on Christmas Day. The raid uncovered a variety of breeds, including pedigree cats, Newfoundlands, dachshunds, French bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, all kept in appalling conditions. Many animals were covered in mud, feces, and their coats were matted with dirt. Several dogs exhibited severe dental issues, some had docked tails, and many suffered from eye infections or ear problems caused by hair and wax buildup.

An independent veterinarian who examined the animals during the raid described the conditions as some of the worst he had ever encountered. The inspection revealed a scene of chaos in the house and garden, contrasting sharply with the pristine, clean living room that prospective buyers were permitted to see. Hayes was directly involved in the day-to-day care of these animals and should have been aware of the neglect and suffering inflicted upon them.

Thankfully, authorities managed to rescue all the animals, who are now either re-homed or in foster care, awaiting new, loving families. The investigation highlighted Hayes’s greed and disregard for animal welfare, as he and Oxlade sold puppies and kittens in poor health, often with severe ailments, during the lead-up to Christmas 2017.

In court, Hayes received a sentence of 20 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, pay a fine of £3,500, plus a victim surcharge of £115. He was also disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need to prevent further abuse.