NORWICH PUPPY RING LED BY MICHAEL RUSHMER SENTENCED FOR FRAUDULENT DOG SALES IN NORWICH

A notorious puppy selling operation based in Norwich, led by the serial animal abuser Michael Rushmer, has been dismantled and its key figures brought to justice. Rushmer, born on October 9, 1991, and residing at Home Farm, Low Road, Thurlton, Norwich NR14 6PZ, was at the center of a widespread scheme that involved the fraudulent sale of dozens of sick and dying dogs to unsuspecting members of the public.

Alongside Rushmer, several accomplices including Samantha Brown, born around 1991 and living at Norman Close, Thurlton, Norwich NR14 6SH; Josh Brown, born circa 1993; Jess Adams, born circa 1990, both of 30 The Dell, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8TL; Thomas Keeler, born circa 1988, of 4 Church Road, Alpington NR14 7NU; and Oliver Patiki, born February 1992, of Copenhagen Way, Norwich NR3 2RB, were involved in the operation. These individuals were recruited by Rushmer during the COVID-19 pandemic to sell puppies on his behalf, earning £50 per sale.

Investigations by Norfolk Constabulary revealed that this was a highly organized and sophisticated operation. Over the course of several months, at least 58 puppies, many of which were underage and suffering from health issues, were sold to the public. Between February and June 2021, the group posted 19 online advertisements promoting sought-after breeds such as cockapoos and cavadors, with prices ranging from £900 to £1,500.

Buyers were deceived into believing that the dogs had been vaccinated, microchipped, and raised in a caring family environment. However, the reality was starkly different. Many of the puppies were sourced from disreputable breeders, and upon delivery, numerous owners noticed that their dogs appeared much younger than advertised. Several dogs were not the breed they claimed to be, and veterinary assessments confirmed that most of the animals were in poor health, riddled with worms and parasites, and exhibited behavioral problems. Many owners faced substantial veterinary bills as a result.

During the investigation, authorities executed multiple warrants on July 30, 2021. The searches led to the arrest of all individuals present at the properties, where mobile phones, diaries, and significant amounts of cash were seized. Evidence from phone and bank records indicated that Rushmer, identified as the 'ringleader,' traveled across the country to collect puppies, which he then delivered to properties owned by Samantha Brown and Jess Adams for sale.

Phone messages recovered during the investigation revealed that Rushmer directed his associates on how to market the dogs, including what breeds to sell, how to describe them, and what prices to charge. He also used the bank account of Oliver Patiki, a fellow drug addict, to launder approximately £16,000 from the illegal sales.

Victims recounted their experiences in court, with one owner describing how her new pet fell seriously ill within 24 hours of purchase. DNA tests later revealed that the dog, believed to be a Labrador cross, was actually a cross between a greyhound and a German shepherd. Another owner recounted incurring large vet bills while trying to treat a dog that had been vaccinated for an illness it did not have. Yet another owner was surprised to find her dog had grown into a 30kg lurcher, far larger than the small breed she had expected.

Rushmer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and possession of criminal property. His accomplices, including Josh Brown, Jess Adams, Samantha Brown, and Thomas Keeler, admitted conspiracy to commit fraud, while Patiki pleaded guilty to money laundering.

During sentencing, Matthew Edwards, Rushmer’s lawyer, explained that his client’s criminal behavior was driven by a severe and chronic addiction to ketamine and cocaine. Judge Andrew Shaw sentenced Rushmer to three years in prison, condemning his actions and the harm inflicted on victims. The judge stated, “Within weeks of release from prison, the business was back up and running, drawing in others who you knew were addicted to drugs. The harm caused to the families who bought dogs from you is written large in the victim personal impact statements.”

Rushmer’s previous conviction in 2019 was mentioned, and he had publicly mocked the judge outside court and boasted on Facebook about receiving a lenient sentence. Addressing his conduct, Judge Shaw remarked, “You previously celebrated like a gangster in front of the local press after, as you saw it, getting one over on the system and the old judge, but here you are again. You sit and sob before me as if you are the victim. You are not. You just don’t learn, and now you have involved others through your pressure and influence.”

In addition to his prison term, Rushmer will face a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing to confiscate assets gained through illegal activities. His associates received various sentences: Josh Brown, Jess Adams, and Thomas Keeler were sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years, with orders to complete rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work. Samantha Brown received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years. Oliver Patiki was given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Legal representatives for the defendants highlighted their clients’ circumstances, with Rob Pollington describing Adams and Samantha Brown as “puppets” dictated by Rushmer and driven by severe addictions, while Martin Ivory explained that Patiki was merely doing a favor for a friend and was unaware of the source of the money involved.

Overall, this case underscores the dangers of illegal puppy trading in Norwich and the devastating impact it has on unsuspecting families. The authorities continue to crack down on such operations, aiming to protect animals and consumers alike from exploitation and cruelty.