JULIE PEARCE, ROSALIE PEARCE, AND KAYLIE ADAMS BUSTED IN URMSTON PUPPY FARM CRUELTY SCANDAL

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty and illegal puppy breeding, three women from Glyn Terrace, Fochriw, Bargoed CF81 9JP, have been convicted for their involvement in a large-scale puppy farming operation that spanned across multiple locations, including the town of Urmston. The trio, identified as Julie Pearce, born on 20 February 1966, Rosalie Pearce, also known as Rosalie Peters and born on 29 March 1990, and Kaylie Lisa Adams, born on 2 August 1998, were found guilty of running an unlicensed and unethical dog breeding enterprise that caused significant suffering to dozens of dogs living in deplorable conditions.

Authorities uncovered the extent of their illegal activities after executing a raid on their family home. The investigation revealed that the women had amassed approximately £125,000 through their illicit puppy breeding business. Inside the property, officers discovered numerous dogs and puppies confined to filthy rooms, where the floors were stained with faeces and urine. The animals had minimal access to clean water, natural light, or fresh air, highlighting the severe neglect they endured.

The dogs were marketed online, including on popular sites like Gumtree, with advertisements claiming the puppies were the offspring of beloved family pets. However, the reality was starkly different. Many of the animals were found with matted, dirty fur, and some were infested with fleas, indicating poor hygiene and neglect. The officers observed several puppy pens that were grossly undersized for the number of pups kept within them. The dogs appeared desperate for human interaction and play, yet they were visibly nervous around people, a clear sign of inadequate socialization.

During the search, officers found a particularly distressing scene in one of the bedrooms, which was described as unventilated and heavily infested with flies. A dozen dogs, some small and underweight, were discovered in this room. In another part of the house, 23 dogs were found living in the dining room without access to water. Additionally, officers came across a female dog nursing her litter in a room that was too cold for the pups, with no water available for the mother, further exemplifying the neglect and poor welfare standards.

As law enforcement officers conducted their search, Kaylie Adams and Rosalie Pearce returned home. A review of their mobile phones revealed incriminating text messages that confirmed their involvement in an extensive and unlicensed dog breeding operation, producing multiple litters of puppies. It was also revealed that Julie Pearce had been residing in Puerto Rico and Gran Canaria during much of this period, while her daughters managed the day-to-day operations at the property.

All three women pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including running an unlicensed dog breeding business, engaging in unfair commercial practices, causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and failing to meet the animals’ welfare needs. The court heard that any sentence less than imprisonment would be considered an insult to public sensibilities, though the judge clarified that the sentences would not be served immediately. A subsequent investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act will examine the family’s financial dealings to recover assets gained through their illegal activities.

The rescued dogs, taken from the Fochriw puppy farm, were placed in the care of the Hope Rescue charity. Since their rescue, all the animals have been given new, permanent homes, ensuring they are no longer subjected to the cruelty they endured.

In sentencing, Rosalie Pearce received a 56-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid work. Kaylie Adams was also sentenced to 56 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, with an additional requirement to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work and participate in a rehabilitation program. Julie Pearce received a 42-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Furthermore, all three women are banned from keeping animals for ten years, a restriction that will expire in July 2033.

It is noteworthy that Rosalie Pearce is also known as Rosalie Peters, a model and performance artist, which adds a layer of public interest to this case. The conviction underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts to combat illegal puppy farming practices in Wales and beyond.