ROBERT FISHWICK'S HORRIFIC PUPPY FARMING IN BROUGHTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Broughton near Preston, Robert Fishwick, born on October 23, 1972, and residing on D’Urton Lane, was found guilty of multiple animal welfare violations in 2017. The investigation into Fishwick’s operations was initiated after numerous complaints from customers who purchased puppies from his alleged puppy farming enterprise, raising serious concerns about the treatment and living conditions of the animals involved.

RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson, who led the probe, explained that authorities had received several reports about Fishwick and his address in 2016. These complaints prompted the RSPCA to begin collecting evidence to substantiate the allegations. As the complaints increased in number, particularly in March 2017, the RSPCA coordinated with Lancashire Police to obtain a warrant for the property in Broughton. On March 30, 2017, officers executed the search warrant at Fishwick’s residence, which was suspected to be a hub for illegal puppy breeding and sales.

Although no puppies were present at the time of the raid, authorities discovered 13 adult dogs of various breeds and ages being kept in deplorable conditions. Inspector Larsson described the scene as one of neglect and filth, with some dogs confined in muddy outdoor enclosures and others in cold, concrete pens inside outbuildings. The conditions were deemed unsuitable for any living creature, with the animals suffering from neglect and health issues. Several of the dogs were severely underweight, with their ribs prominently visible, indicating malnutrition. Others exhibited serious health problems, including skin infections and ear conditions, which had been left untreated.

Further investigation revealed paperwork that shed light on the scale of Fishwick’s alleged puppy-selling operation. Among the documents seized was a receipt book that detailed sales over a four-month period, amounting to more than £50,000. This suggested that Fishwick was generating approximately £12,000 each month from selling puppies, highlighting the commercial nature of his activities. The animals removed from the property included two French bulldogs, one beagle, three Alsatians, one Doberman, and several smaller breed dogs, all taken on welfare grounds due to their poor health and living conditions.

Tragically, some of the dogs had to be euthanized. A three-year-old French bulldog, an adult French bulldog, and an Alsatian were put to sleep because they suffered from dislocated kneecaps and severe skin ailments. The court heard that the property was in a “horrendous” state, with evidence of neglect and dangerous objects such as a sharp tin can found inside one of the kennels. Prosecutor Paul Ridehalgh described the scene as one of extreme neglect, noting that many dogs had little or no access to water, and there was scant evidence of food. The enclosures were filthy, littered with dog excrement, and some were too small to accommodate the animals comfortably. The court was shown images of the premises, which reeked of urine and faeces, with evidence of chewed wooden doors and skirting boards, indicating the dogs’ distress and attempts to escape.

Inside the property, a small puppy was found in a room off the kitchen, while the remaining dogs were housed in a makeshift kennel at the entrance. The building’s interior was heavily soiled, with wet sawdust shavings piled around the doors, suggesting attempts to clean or cover up the filth. Fishwick claimed that he had taken rescue dogs in and denied any intent to breed for profit, but the evidence pointed to a different reality.

In court, Fishwick was sentenced to 17 weeks in jail, suspended for a year, with a requirement to undergo 12 months of supervision. He was also ordered to pay costs of £160. Additionally, he was banned from owning or keeping animals for five years, although this ban expired in October 2022. The case has brought to light the serious issues surrounding illegal puppy farming and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the Preston area and beyond.