KELLY BUSBY, ANDREW BATEMAN AND JEREMY AWDY OF BREAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER CRUELTY AND NEGLECT IN PUPPY FARMING SCANDAL

In a significant crackdown on animal cruelty, three individuals from Bream, Gloucestershire, have been permanently prohibited from owning or caring for dogs following a detailed investigation into their involvement in illegal puppy breeding operations. The defendants, Kelly Busby, Andrew Bateman, and Jeremy Awdry, faced serious charges related to the neglect and mistreatment of puppies they bred and sold, with the court condemning their practices as driven by greed and marked by blatant cruelty.

Kelly Busby and Andrew Bateman, who previously held a breeding license for West Wales but not for the Forest of Dean area, advertised puppies online as being 'home bred.' However, investigations revealed that the puppies they supplied originated from Jeremy Awdry’s puppy farm located in Bream, Gloucestershire. The conditions at Awdry’s premises were appalling, characterized by filth, chaos, and neglect. Dogs were confined in cages exposed to the elements or kept in dark, unlit environments, with faeces left to accumulate unchecked. These conditions were described as squalid and inhumane.

Prosecutor Greg Gordon detailed how advertisements for puppies appeared on three different websites—Gumtree, Pets4Homes, and Freeads—creating a false impression that the animals were bred legally and raised in caring environments. In reality, the conditions were deplorable, and the puppies were poorly cared for. Officers from the Forest of Dean District Council, prompted by numerous public complaints, visited the site and documented the shocking state of affairs through photographs.

During the inspection, officers seized a three-month-old black Labrador puppy found inside an open-fronted garage. The puppy was kept in a cage on the concrete floor, with no bedding, no food, and a large amount of faeces. The animal was re-homed after being signed over to the council. Further inspections uncovered two other dogs kept in complete darkness within a garage, where the smell of urine was overwhelming. These dogs had minimal water, no bedding, and no food. Adult dogs were found in open-air cages surrounded by chicken remains, raw meat, and large quantities of rubbish, highlighting the neglect and poor standards of care.

Jeremy Awdry’s property, Jubilee Villa, was also scrutinized. Witnesses described the premises as being in a sorry state, with one noting the presence of a vast amount of faeces and urine on the kitchen floor where puppies were kept. Concerns were raised about the small kennels used to house the dogs, which caused discomfort among visitors. The puppies were reported to be constantly barking, and some prospective buyers felt compelled to return their puppies due to the distressing conditions.

Many complaints from buyers highlighted that the puppies often fell ill with diarrhoea and other health issues shortly after purchase. Tragically, one puppy died shortly after being bought from Awdry, and others incurred significant veterinary bills. Awdry had falsely claimed to provide four weeks of veterinary insurance, and the paperwork for Kennel Club registration was found to be inaccurate. Microchips were poorly implanted, further indicating the substandard practices at his operation.

A veterinary expert described the site as a breeding ground for various pathogenic diseases that could pose health risks to both dogs and humans. The environment was criticized for its lack of enrichment, clean bedding, and toys, which are essential for healthy development. During police interviews, Awdry admitted to dipping dogs in chemicals, similar to treatments used on his sheep, raising further concerns about his animal husbandry practices.

Throughout the investigation, it was revealed that the trio had earned approximately £90,000 over four years from their puppy farming activities. The court heard that their operations were driven by greed, with little regard for the animals’ welfare. Despite efforts to improve conditions, such as Awdry’s expenditure of £3,000 on new kennels, the court found their neglect and cruelty to be ongoing and deliberate.

Legal proceedings culminated in the defendants admitting to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including failing to meet the needs of the animals and selling puppies without proper licensing. Judge Ian Lawrie QC sentenced each of them to a 19-week suspended custodial sentence, with additional penalties including court costs, compensation, and a victim surcharge. Awdry received a curfew order for six months, while Bateman and Busby were ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service. All three were permanently banned from owning dogs.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, Jeremy Awdry faced further legal action for breaching his disqualification order. In February 2022, he was sentenced to 25 weeks in prison after being caught controlling or transporting dogs in violation of the ban. The case was a testament to the diligent efforts of the Forest of Dean District Council’s enforcement teams and police officers, who continue to work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty and neglect in the region.

Historical context reveals that Jeremy Awdry has a long history of animal-related legal issues, including compensation received after police seized dozens of his sheep in 2019 and a previous five-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) issued a decade earlier. Local residents have expressed ongoing concerns about the condition of his sheep, which are reportedly in poor health and inadequately managed, further highlighting a pattern of neglect.

As of May 2021, Bateman and Busby had relocated to Dorset, where they took over management of a fish and chip shop in West Bay, Bridport. Despite claims of seeking honest employment, credible sources suggest they continue to be involved in puppy sales under the guise of legitimate business, raising fears that their cruelty persists behind a facade of respectability. Their move to Dorset has not deterred investigations into their activities, and authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further animal cruelty by these individuals.