TERESA REYNOLDS SLUGH BACKYARD BREEDER AND ANIMAL ABUSER SENTENCED IN SLOUGH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Slough, Teresa Reynolds, a woman born around 1963 and residing on Long Furlong Drive, was found guilty of severe animal neglect and illegal breeding activities. The case came to light after a detailed investigation by the neighbourhood services team of Slough Borough Council (SBC) in 2017, which uncovered appalling conditions on her property that prompted a police and council intervention.

Reynolds' residence, a modest two-bedroom council home, was revealed to be a scene of neglect and cruelty. Officers and council officials reported being overwhelmed by the foul smell of feces and urine, a testament to the unsanitary environment in which the animals were kept. The investigation uncovered a total of 23 animals, including dogs and cats, many of which were found in deplorable conditions. Among the animals rescued were pugs, poodles, cocker spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, shih-tzus, and chihuahuas. When asked about the number of pets she owned, Reynolds was unable to provide an answer, highlighting her lack of oversight and care.

The conditions of the animals were particularly distressing. Neighbourhood manager Ian Blake described how he discovered 16 dogs confined in small, filthy cages that were inadequate for their size and lacked access to water. Some of these animals were kept in pairs, crammed into tiny spaces that offered no comfort or proper care. Additional animals were found outside in the garden, including a large poodle that was unable to access the house due to a stairgate blocking her way. The only water available for her was a bucket filled with miscellaneous items, not suitable for drinking.

In the garden, four cats were discovered living in a bird aviary, where their litter trays were overflowing and placed directly next to their water bowls, creating an unsanitary environment. A single crate, which was clean and contained bedding, food, and water, was found empty, indicating neglect or possible prior removal of animals. The most shocking discovery was the presence of two dead puppies in a wheelie bin outside the property. Reynolds admitted to officers that she had been unable to feed them after their mother had died, a tragic detail that underscored the neglect.

All 23 animals were removed from Reynolds' property and taken to Summerleaze Veterinary Hospital in Maidenhead for assessment and care. Veterinarians noted that several dogs were heavily soiled, and two pregnant cats were among the rescued animals. One tomcat's fur was so heavily matted that it required shaving to prevent long-term suffering. Evidence seized from the property indicated that Reynolds was actively involved in selling animals from her home, with records showing over 250 animals handled over a two-year period. Receipts for the sale of dogs at prices ranging from £900 to £1,200, along with bank statements detailing transactions involving puppies and kittens, confirmed her involvement in illegal trading.

Complaints about Reynolds' breeding and selling activities had been ongoing since 2010, but this was the first time sufficient evidence led to a prosecution. Further investigations by the council’s fraud team revealed that Reynolds had failed to declare her income from these activities to the benefits office, leading to her being convicted of two counts of benefit fraud.

Reynolds was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 120 hours of unpaid work, a 15-day rehabilitation requirement, and a fine of £2,000 to cover legal costs. Additionally, she received a seven-year ban on owning any animals, a restriction that will remain in effect until August 2025. The rescued animals have since been re-homed and are reported to be doing well, ending a case that highlights the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the Slough area.