PUPPY FARMERS JOANNE, JAMES AND STEVEN GILHEANEY CONVICTED IN SOUTH WALES FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND ANIMALS

In a detailed investigation and subsequent court proceedings, the Gilheaney family, consisting of Joanne Gilheaney, her son James (commonly known as Jimmy), and Steven Gilheaney, faced serious charges related to the operation of a small-scale puppy farm located at Cae Garw Travellers Site in Pyle, Bridgend, South Wales. The case highlighted the appalling conditions in which numerous animals, primarily dogs, were kept and the neglect that led to their suffering.

Joanne Gilheaney, born on February 10, 1981, and her son James, born circa 2001, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to 12 dogs by neglecting their basic veterinary needs and failing to provide proper care. The charges also included neglecting the environmental needs of 21 dogs, many of whom were found living in unsanitary and hazardous conditions. The court records indicate that Joanne and James admitted to these failings, which included neglecting to provide adequate veterinary treatment for skin diseases, insufficient living space, and a lack of proper nutrition and clean water for the animals.

The investigation was initiated in March 2021 when police officers and RSPCA inspectors conducted a thorough search of the Cae Garw Travellers Site following concerns raised by members of the community about the treatment of animals there. The search targeted two specific plots belonging to the Gilheaney family, which contained a series of makeshift pens and a horsebox used for housing animals. The inspectors described their shock at the conditions they encountered, characterizing the site as a small-scale puppy farm operating under neglectful circumstances.

During the inspection, 21 dogs were seized from the premises. These animals, which included breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, Saluki crosses, French bulldogs, Bichon Frise, Labradors, Patterdales, Jack Russell terriers, and cocker spaniels, were found living in environments that were both unhygienic and dangerous. Many of these dogs were severely underweight, with some suffering from skin ailments. The conditions of the animals were so dire that one dog, a Saluki named Fly, had to be euthanized due to her extreme underweight condition and skin disease. Fly was living in a dark, damp horsebox, which was inadequate for her needs.

Other animals found on the site included a female Labrador with puppies, kept in a pen with poor ventilation and cleanliness, and a Jack Russell terrier with her pups, exhibiting fur and skin loss, and possibly a burn on her back. The inspectors also discovered a variety of other animals, including birds of prey, a donkey, and five ponies of cob-type. The donkey was noted to have overgrown hooves, indicating neglect. Despite the seizure of the dogs, the birds of prey were not removed, as they belonged to Steven Gilheaney’s father, a convicted drug dealer who died in October 2018. Authorities decided against removing the birds to avoid potential violent confrontations, opting instead to provide advice on improving their living conditions.

Joanne Gilheaney claimed that most of the litters of puppies, except one, were accidental and that her intention was to give the puppies away to people who could not afford to buy pets. She also stated that none of the dogs had been seen by a veterinarian due to her inability to afford veterinary bills. She acknowledged the smell emanating from the pens, attributing it to the high number of dogs living together, and insisted that the pens were cleaned regularly.

James Gilheaney, who refused to attend a voluntary interview, issued a prepared statement denying any wrongdoing. The court proceedings revealed that neither Joanne nor James held a breeding license, and the judge emphasized the commercial nature of the operation, which resembled a puppy farm. Both Joanne and James were sentenced to nine weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and were ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement. James was also mandated to perform 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, both individuals received a ten-year ban from keeping any breed of dog.

RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper expressed her horror at the conditions of the animals and the environment in which they were kept. She described pens that housed multiple dogs with no space to escape, lacking proper bedding, ventilation, and cleanliness. She noted that the dogs had not been socialized and were terrified of humans and the outside world, having spent most of their lives confined in pens.

Several of the seized dogs, including a dog named Flo, were taken to the RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre for treatment. Flo, who was severely underweight and suffering from mange, showed remarkable resilience and was eventually adopted into a loving home. The staff at the centre described her transformation from a frightened, emaciated dog to a happy, healthy pet, thanks to the care and attention she received.

The case underscores the ongoing issues of animal neglect and illegal breeding operations in South Wales, highlighting the importance of vigilance and enforcement to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and exploitation.