KATIE SALMON MILTON KEYNES PUPPY FARMER SENTENCED AFTER TRAGIC DOG'S DEATH IN BOURNEMOUTH

Katie Salmon, a woman previously residing in Kirkwood Grove, Middleton, Milton Keynes, has been convicted and sentenced for her role in a cruel puppy farming operation that supplied sick and dying puppies to unsuspecting members of the public. Salmon, born on May 9, 1985, and now living at Lorne Park Mansions, 33 Lorne Park Road, Bournemouth, was part of an extensive international dog smuggling ring based in Milton Keynes.

Her involvement in this illegal trade was uncovered after the RSPCA traced her to her then address in Middleton, Milton Keynes, following an investigation into numerous puppy sales made through online platforms such as Pets4Homes. The operation was linked to a network that included several members of the Irish traveller family, the Cawleys, who were jailed in August 2021 for their part in the same puppy farming scheme. The Cawleys' home was located in Mullacreevie Park, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

Salmon's criminal activities involved sourcing puppies from the Cawley family and their property, then selling them to the public under false pretenses. The court heard that many of these puppies were in poor health, suffering from neglect and illness. One heartbreaking case involved a Shih Tzu puppy named Barnaby, purchased from Salmon in October 2019. The new owner recounted how, shortly after bringing Barnaby home, the puppy's health rapidly deteriorated. Despite their efforts to care for him, including hourly feeding, administering fluids, and medication, Barnaby's condition worsened.

Tragically, on October 24, 2019, Barnaby was found no longer breathing after being brought into the owner's bedroom by her 11-year-old son. The family was devastated, and the owner described the emotional toll of losing Barnaby, especially as her young children expressed their grief. Her six-year-old daughter wrote a heartfelt note stating, “I feel really sad that Barnaby died, and I feel angry at his old owners because they didn’t feed him and look after him like we did. I really miss Barnaby and wish he was still at home with us, I just want Barnaby back.”

During the court proceedings, Salmon's defense, represented by Nicola Talbot-Hadley, claimed that Salmon had recently escaped an abusive relationship and was manipulated by Joseph and Margaret Cawley into participating in the illegal puppy trade. However, Judge Sheridan dismissed these claims, stating, “I have not seen any evidence that she was exploited, they were all in this together. This was well organised and brilliantly executed. They were trading in misery.”

The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the harm caused extended beyond the animals to affect children and families. He stated, “The harm that this has caused is enormous and it is not limited to adults. There were children who were looking forward to welcoming a new member of their family.” The court underscored the message that involvement in such cruelty would result in immediate imprisonment, reflecting society’s condemnation of this heinous trade.

Salmon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, along with multiple charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and violations of her bail conditions. In sentencing, she was sentenced to 15 months in prison and received a lifetime ban from keeping animals, a measure aimed at preventing her from engaging in similar activities in the future.