MICHAEL DAWSON'S CRIMINAL REIGN IN ST BUDEAUX: DOG BREEDER AND EARS CROPPING SCANDAL IN PLYMOUTH
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St Budeaux Animal Abuser
Michael Dawson, a commercial dog breeder operating under the name Element Bullys Ltd, has been at the center of multiple legal issues and allegations of animal cruelty in the Plymouth area, particularly in the St Budeaux district. Born on November 14, 1971, Dawson resides at Tamerton Foliot Road, Plymouth PL6, and has a long history of breaching animal welfare laws and regulations.
One of the most disturbing incidents involved the seizure of a puppy named Riot, an American bully-type dog, by the RSPCA following a police raid at Dawson’s residence. Riot was found confined in a crate in the garden, with her ears surgically mutilated—an illegal practice known as ear cropping. The RSPCA officers discovered the dog with her ears still showing signs of recent surgical removal, complete with blue and purple sutures and pink antibiotic spray. Biopsies later confirmed that the injuries had been inflicted approximately two weeks prior to her rescue.
Riot was taken into foster care by the RSPCA after her rescue, and she has since been rehomed. The charity’s spokesperson emphasized that despite the illegal status of ear cropping in the UK, the practice persists, often influenced by celebrity endorsements and cultural trends. The RSPCA highlighted that ear cropping is painful, unnecessary, and impairs a dog’s hearing and ability to communicate effectively. They also noted that the practice remains legal in the United States and some European countries, which encourages its continued prevalence.
During court proceedings in June 2019, Dawson pleaded guilty to permitting another individual to perform a prohibited procedure on Riot or failing to protect a protected animal. Despite owning a plumbing and heating business, Dawson claimed that breeding dogs was his primary source of income, which is why he was not banned from keeping animals. He admitted to purchasing Riot from a Scottish breeder for £5,000 and stated that he had sent her away to meet a potential mate. Dawson expressed remorse when Riot returned with her ears cropped, claiming he was upset by the incident.
Veterinary examinations confirmed the severity of Riot’s injuries, revealing that her ears had been surgically removed, with evidence of recent surgical intervention. The RSPCA’s investigation was part of a broader effort involving Plymouth City Council, which executed a multi-agency warrant at Dawson’s property. Riot was officially signed over to the RSPCA in March 2020 and has since settled into a new, loving home.
In addition to the ear cropping case, Dawson faced legal action in November 2020 for possessing illegal veterinary medicines. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs conducted a raid under a search warrant, uncovering five substances, including prescription-only antibiotics intended for dogs. Dawson and his company admitted to possessing these unauthorized medicinal products and were fined accordingly—Dawson received a fine of £265, with additional costs and surcharges, while Element Bullys Ltd was fined £1,500 plus a victim surcharge.
Further legal troubles arose in March 2021 when Dawson was prosecuted by Plymouth City Council for operating a dog breeding business without a license. It was revealed that he had been selling dogs via Facebook and Instagram for over 16 months, earning approximately £63,000 from unlicensed sales. The court heard that Dawson had advertised around 22 litters of puppies, with the possibility of more, and claimed to sell internationally, including to celebrities in America. Despite this, Dawson had not applied for the necessary licensing, although he had expressed interest in inspections in June 2019.
The court, presided over by Recorder David Chidgey, did not impose a ban on Dawson’s ability to keep or breed dogs, citing a lack of evidence of mistreatment. Instead, Dawson was given a two-year conditional discharge, with a warning to obtain the proper license and comply with regulations. The prosecution highlighted Dawson’s previous convictions related to dog breeding and his attitude towards licensing, which was described as “woeful.”
Investigations revealed that Dawson’s business operated through multiple social media accounts, including Facebook profiles named Mike Dawson, Michael Dawson, and Element Bullys, as well as an Instagram account. His company was registered at Faraday Mill Business Park in Cattedown, and he had previously operated under the name M Dawson Dog Breeding Ltd. The court estimated that the puppies sold ranged in price from £1,000 to £1,500, with Dawson claiming a turnover of around £41,000 annually, nearly half of which was spent on veterinary care.
In a subsequent development in February 2022, Plymouth City Council pursued Dawson under the Proceeds of Crime Act, ordering him to repay over £100,000 of profits gained from his unlicensed dog breeding activities over a period of 20 years. Despite passing a ‘fit and proper person’ test to obtain a breeding license in October 2021, Dawson’s criminal record and previous convictions cast doubt on his suitability. Judge William Mousley ordered Dawson to pay the sum within three months, or face a potential year in prison. Assets including four properties, two inherited, were identified as means to satisfy the confiscation order.
Throughout these proceedings, Dawson’s continued online sales and breeding activities have persisted, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare and illegal breeding practices in the Plymouth area, especially in the St Budeaux district. His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws and the dangers posed by unlicensed breeders operating outside legal boundaries.
One of the most disturbing incidents involved the seizure of a puppy named Riot, an American bully-type dog, by the RSPCA following a police raid at Dawson’s residence. Riot was found confined in a crate in the garden, with her ears surgically mutilated—an illegal practice known as ear cropping. The RSPCA officers discovered the dog with her ears still showing signs of recent surgical removal, complete with blue and purple sutures and pink antibiotic spray. Biopsies later confirmed that the injuries had been inflicted approximately two weeks prior to her rescue.
Riot was taken into foster care by the RSPCA after her rescue, and she has since been rehomed. The charity’s spokesperson emphasized that despite the illegal status of ear cropping in the UK, the practice persists, often influenced by celebrity endorsements and cultural trends. The RSPCA highlighted that ear cropping is painful, unnecessary, and impairs a dog’s hearing and ability to communicate effectively. They also noted that the practice remains legal in the United States and some European countries, which encourages its continued prevalence.
During court proceedings in June 2019, Dawson pleaded guilty to permitting another individual to perform a prohibited procedure on Riot or failing to protect a protected animal. Despite owning a plumbing and heating business, Dawson claimed that breeding dogs was his primary source of income, which is why he was not banned from keeping animals. He admitted to purchasing Riot from a Scottish breeder for £5,000 and stated that he had sent her away to meet a potential mate. Dawson expressed remorse when Riot returned with her ears cropped, claiming he was upset by the incident.
Veterinary examinations confirmed the severity of Riot’s injuries, revealing that her ears had been surgically removed, with evidence of recent surgical intervention. The RSPCA’s investigation was part of a broader effort involving Plymouth City Council, which executed a multi-agency warrant at Dawson’s property. Riot was officially signed over to the RSPCA in March 2020 and has since settled into a new, loving home.
In addition to the ear cropping case, Dawson faced legal action in November 2020 for possessing illegal veterinary medicines. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs conducted a raid under a search warrant, uncovering five substances, including prescription-only antibiotics intended for dogs. Dawson and his company admitted to possessing these unauthorized medicinal products and were fined accordingly—Dawson received a fine of £265, with additional costs and surcharges, while Element Bullys Ltd was fined £1,500 plus a victim surcharge.
Further legal troubles arose in March 2021 when Dawson was prosecuted by Plymouth City Council for operating a dog breeding business without a license. It was revealed that he had been selling dogs via Facebook and Instagram for over 16 months, earning approximately £63,000 from unlicensed sales. The court heard that Dawson had advertised around 22 litters of puppies, with the possibility of more, and claimed to sell internationally, including to celebrities in America. Despite this, Dawson had not applied for the necessary licensing, although he had expressed interest in inspections in June 2019.
The court, presided over by Recorder David Chidgey, did not impose a ban on Dawson’s ability to keep or breed dogs, citing a lack of evidence of mistreatment. Instead, Dawson was given a two-year conditional discharge, with a warning to obtain the proper license and comply with regulations. The prosecution highlighted Dawson’s previous convictions related to dog breeding and his attitude towards licensing, which was described as “woeful.”
Investigations revealed that Dawson’s business operated through multiple social media accounts, including Facebook profiles named Mike Dawson, Michael Dawson, and Element Bullys, as well as an Instagram account. His company was registered at Faraday Mill Business Park in Cattedown, and he had previously operated under the name M Dawson Dog Breeding Ltd. The court estimated that the puppies sold ranged in price from £1,000 to £1,500, with Dawson claiming a turnover of around £41,000 annually, nearly half of which was spent on veterinary care.
In a subsequent development in February 2022, Plymouth City Council pursued Dawson under the Proceeds of Crime Act, ordering him to repay over £100,000 of profits gained from his unlicensed dog breeding activities over a period of 20 years. Despite passing a ‘fit and proper person’ test to obtain a breeding license in October 2021, Dawson’s criminal record and previous convictions cast doubt on his suitability. Judge William Mousley ordered Dawson to pay the sum within three months, or face a potential year in prison. Assets including four properties, two inherited, were identified as means to satisfy the confiscation order.
Throughout these proceedings, Dawson’s continued online sales and breeding activities have persisted, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare and illegal breeding practices in the Plymouth area, especially in the St Budeaux district. His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws and the dangers posed by unlicensed breeders operating outside legal boundaries.