WILLIAM PERRITON AND REBECCA HEATH'S ILLEGAL DOG BREEDING SCHEME IN WIMBORNE EXPOSED

William Derrick Perriton, also known as Herbie Perriton, born on June 21, 1980, and Rebecca 'Ree' Heath, born on November 29, 1982, both residents of 138 Church Road, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne BH21, have been found guilty of operating an illegal dog breeding enterprise that caused significant suffering to numerous animals. Their conviction highlights the serious neglect and exploitation involved in their activities, which persisted for over a year without proper licensing or regard for animal welfare.

According to court records, Perriton and Heath admitted to causing unnecessary pain and distress to protected animals, neglecting their basic needs, and running a dog breeding and selling operation for approximately 14 months without obtaining the necessary license. The investigation was initiated after Dorset Council officers, accompanied by a veterinarian, visited their property in Three Legged Cross. During this inspection, it was discovered that the dogs were kept in deplorable conditions, lacking appropriate environments and diets. The animals were unable to exhibit normal behaviors, and they were not protected from pain, suffering, injury, or disease, which is a clear violation of animal welfare laws.

The court was informed that the couple had been advised on four separate occasions in 2019 to apply for a license to legally operate a dog breeding business. Despite these warnings, no application was submitted, and when authorities executed a warrant in March 2020, it was revealed that the couple had still not sought the necessary licensing. Prosecutor Syan Ventom detailed that the breeding operation was conducted at their home address, where 39 dogs were found to be in conditions that failed to meet basic welfare standards.

The initial contact from Dorset Council dates back to October 2017, following a complaint about the dogs. At that time, Perriton and Heath claimed they were considering starting a breeding business, and advice was provided on what was required to do so legally. Further concerns arose in September 2019 after reports of excessive barking, prompting the council to revisit the property. In October 2019, the couple advertised a litter of German Shepherd puppies online, continuing their commercial activities despite repeated warnings. Evidence presented in court showed that puppies were sold for prices ranging from £900 to £1,200 each.

Further investigation uncovered that Perriton had been advised via phone and WhatsApp messages to advertise puppies at a higher price of £3,500, but he responded that he lacked a license and that the dog warden was monitoring his activities. The conditions in which the dogs were kept were described as extremely unpleasant, with the animals housed in two windowless, single-storey outbuildings. An overpowering smell of ammonia and bedding soaked with urine were noted, indicating neglect and poor hygiene. The veterinarian involved in the case had enough evidence to seize the dogs, but Perriton and Heath voluntarily surrendered ownership. The animals were subsequently cared for by the council, receiving veterinary treatment before being rehomed.

One of the Cane Corso females, named Jet, was euthanized after the investigation, although the court was not provided with specific reasons for this decision. During mitigation, lawyer Laura Collier stated that her clients had good intentions but lacked the competence to manage the breeding operation properly. She emphasized that the couple had four domestic dogs that were well cared for and argued that their actions were driven by financial pressures and a desire to expand their activities quickly. Collier highlighted that the couple had undertaken canine health courses and received positive reviews from buyers, suggesting their intentions were not malicious.

Despite the serious nature of the case, the judge, Mousley, acknowledged the high level of culpability but considered the harm caused to be relatively lesser given the circumstances. The court decided not to impose a disqualification order, which would have prevented Perriton and Heath from owning dogs in the future. Instead, they received a 12-month community order requiring them to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, with no ban on owning animals.

Following their conviction, Perriton and Heath appeared in court again on November 28, 2022, to face financial penalties. A confiscation order was issued, requiring Perriton to pay £115,000 and Heath £34,840, representing the profits gained from their illegal puppy sales. Failure to pay these amounts would result in prison sentences of 18 months for Perriton and nine months for Heath. Both were also ordered to pay £4,500 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £85 each.

The proceeds from the confiscation are set to benefit Dorset Council’s Community and Public Protection budget, with 37% of the total (£55,440) allocated for community safety initiatives. The remaining funds will be divided between central government and the HM Courts & Tribunals Service, ensuring that the financial penalties serve as a deterrent against similar illegal activities in the future.