Two people have been sentenced for animal welfare offences after dogs were found in poor, filthy and cramped conditions.

Following information from naturewatch.org regarding concerns of animal welfare and breeding dogs without a licence at a premises in Arlingham, a warrant was executed in June 2023.

Seven dogs and a litter of puppies were seized and an independent vet had concerns for their health following an inspection. When the owners of the dogs, John Cacace and Kelly Webb, were interviewed they gave no comment.

Stroud District Council gained possession of all the seized dogs under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and costs were awarded to the council for fees incurred during obtaining veterinary treatment and kennelling fees. All the dogs bar one have been rehomed.

At a hearing on March 17, 2025 at Gloucester Crown Court, Cacace pleaded guilty to offences under Section 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 along with a charge relating to breeding dogs without a licence.

These charges of unnecessary suffering and failing to provide an adequate environment were brought by Stroud District Council in relation to the dogs that were in his possession and seized by officers.

John Cacace was sentenced on March 30, 2025 at Gloucester Crown Court to a community order for 12 months with 100 hours of unpaid work and a Section 34 disqualification order in relation to dogs for a period of ten years. He was ordered to pay costs of £2,000.

At a hearing on May 2 at Cheltenham Magistrates Court Kelly Webb pleaded guilty to offences relating to failing to meet the needs of dogs in her care and breeding dogs without a licence. Webb was sentenced to a community order for nine months and received a disqualification order in relation to dogs for a period of five years. She was ordered to pay costs of £500, a fine of £129 and a victim surcharge of £114.

Cllr Chloe Turner, chair of SDC's environment committee, said: "Ensuring the welfare of animals in our district is a top priority. The conditions in which these dogs were found were unacceptable, and we are committed to taking action against those who neglect their responsibilities. Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to protect animals in need along with partner organisations, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards in animal welfare."

The warrant under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 was executed in June 2023 in conjunction with Gloucestershire Police local policing team and rural crime officers, and the investigation was conducted jointly by officers from the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit on behalf of Stroud District Council and the council's animal welfare team.

The Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit is a shared service working for a number of councils and social housing providers. The prosecution was brought by One Legal, a shared legal service, on behalf of Stroud District Council with the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit.

Members of the public can contact Stroud District Council with any concerns about animal welfare or activities involving animals via email fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk  or contact the Stroud District Council animal welfare team on 01453 754478 or licensing@stroud.gov.uk