PUPPY DEALERS TERESA WADE AND VICTORIA MONTGOMERY SHOCK ESSEX AND LONDON WITH CRUELTY IN PUPPY FARM

In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates across Essex and London, Teresa Wade and Victoria Montgomery, both known for their involvement in illegal puppy trading, have been convicted of heinous animal cruelty offences. Wade, born on 04/05/1959 and residing at Ship Lane Travellers Site in Aveley, South Ockendon RM15 4HQ, along with Montgomery, born on 05/12/1961 and living on Marne Road in Dagenham (previously Melford Avenue, Barking, London IG11), operated a puppy farm where dogs and puppies were kept in deplorable conditions.

These two Irish travellers, who are part of a notorious gang with prior convictions, managed to deceive numerous customers into believing that their puppies were bred at home and raised in loving environments. However, the reality was far from this illusion. Both Wade and Montgomery pleaded guilty during the trial to multiple animal welfare violations after an extensive investigation by the RSPCA, which uncovered the true state of their operations.

The RSPCA launched Operation Excel in 2014, a dedicated initiative aimed at tackling the illegal breeding and sale of puppies in Essex. This operation was prompted by numerous reports from members of the public who had purchased puppies that quickly fell ill or, tragically, died shortly after acquisition. The investigation led to a warrant being executed at the Ship Lane travellers site in Aveley, as well as at two other addresses—one in Essex and another in London.

During the raid, authorities discovered a staggering total of 76 dogs and puppies, including breeds such as poodles, cocker spaniels, and popular designer crossbreeds like cavachons, cockerpoos, and golden doodles. The animals were found confined in cramped cages within dark, makeshift sheds on the travellers' site. Despite being advertised as 'home-reared,' the dogs were kept in filthy conditions, with many suffering from severe health issues.

The seized animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA, where a number of pregnant bitches subsequently gave birth to 27 puppies in the charity’s centers. Out of the total 103 dogs rescued, four sadly died due to the neglect and poor conditions. The court ordered that the remaining 99 dogs be rehomed, ensuring they would have a chance at a better life. The investigation revealed that while many of the dogs were bred on-site, some puppies were imported from abroad, further highlighting the scale and complexity of the operation.

RSPCA inspector Carroll Lamport, who led the investigation, described the conditions as appalling. He stated, “After a number of calls from people who had bought puppies that had fallen ill, we became suspicious of a gang who appeared to be selling a large number of puppies. The dogs were being bred on an industrial scale at a site in Aveley and were kept in disgusting conditions in makeshift kennels and pens in outbuildings.”

Inspector Lamport further explained, “When it was time to sell the puppies—each costing hundreds of pounds—they would be moved to two houses used as front addresses to give the impression that these dogs were beloved family pets. The reality was far from that. These dogs were kept in dark, damp pens covered in filth, riddled with worms and fleas, with matted, dirty coats. Many were extremely ill, suffering from parasitic infections like campylobacter and giardia, which can be deadly.”

The investigation also uncovered the heartbreaking truth that some puppies had been imported from abroad, subjected to the same horrendous conditions. Inspector Lamport emphasized, “These dogs endured hellish conditions, and it’s heartbreaking to think of the suffering they endured. Sadly, we lost a few of the pups, but thanks to the dedication of our animal center staff and fosterers, the rest are now thriving in loving homes. However, many still carry scars—both physical and mental—from their traumatic past, with some suffering ongoing health issues and behavioral problems due to lack of proper socialization.”

Both Wade and Montgomery faced justice in court. Wade, who pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences, received a five-month prison sentence, suspended for 11 months. She was also ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £115 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years. Montgomery, who admitted to one offence, received a three-month jail term, suspended for 11 months, along with the same financial penalties, but was not banned from keeping animals.

This case highlights the cruelty and greed that can drive illegal puppy farming, with these offenders showing a blatant disregard for the welfare of the animals they exploited. The authorities hope that this conviction will serve as a warning to others involved in similar illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and the need for continued vigilance against such cruelty.