ALISON SILK'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN CAMROSE: POODLES SUFFER IN FILTHY CONDITIONS NEAR HAVERFORDWEST

Alison Denise Silk, born on December 20, 1956, and residing at The Rath in Camrose, near Haverfordwest, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty involving her care of thirty poodles. The case, which drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, revealed the shocking neglect and deplorable conditions in which these dogs were kept on her farm.

On September 4, 2023, a joint inspection was carried out by RSPCA officer Keith Hogben and a Pembrokeshire County Council dog warden at Rath Farm. The visit uncovered a scene of utter neglect, with the dogs living amidst a stench of dog feces and urine that was immediately apparent upon entry. Inspector Hogben described the front door to the property as being closed, and upon opening it, he was greeted by a chorus of barking from a large number of heavily matted dogs. The environment was described as 'disgusting and filthy,' with the dogs confined in cages within a conservatory that was uncomfortably hot and contaminated with fresh and trodden-in feces.

Inside the conservatory, the inspector observed that all the dogs had severely matted coats, with no water available for them. Bedding in the cages was soiled, and the room lacked ventilation, as no windows appeared to be open. Moving to the rear of the property, the inspectors found two outdoor runs, both covered in dog feces of various ages, indicating that the area had not been cleaned for weeks or even months. A wheelbarrow filled with feces was also noted near the conservatory door.

In the outdoor kennels, eight dogs were found, all with heavily matted coats and no access to water. Two rabbit-type water bottles hung on the bars of the enclosures, but both were empty. The kennels themselves were filled with a large buildup of feces, and the sleeping areas contained only minimal, soiled plastic dog beds. In one kennel, five male dogs with similar neglect were kept, also without water, and the buildup of feces had made it impossible to open the door fully. When Silk released the dogs, they were seen drinking from a bucket containing green-colored water, further highlighting the neglect.

Veterinary examination of the dogs confirmed the severity of their condition. A vet who attended the scene stated that all the dogs needed to be removed due to their poor health and the unsanitary environment. A detailed witness statement from a vet, who examined the dogs at RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic between September 5 and 7, 2023, described the dogs as suffering from severe matting, with feces and urine embedded in their coats. One dog, which had been recently groomed, still exhibited heavy matting on its leg, tail, and prepuce, with feces and urine present. Many dogs showed signs of partial grooming attempts, but most remained heavily matted, with some having large mats hanging over their eyes, causing irritation and partial blindness.

Flea infestation was also noted, with seven dogs found to have live fleas. The majority of the dogs were underweight, and many required urgent medical procedures. The vet reported that twelve dogs suffered from severe dental disease, likely needing extractions, while seven others had moderate dental issues that could be addressed under anesthesia. Seventeen dogs exhibited signs of ocular disease, with mats covering their eyes or forming between eyelids, which could be caused by irritation from the environment or possibly infectious causes.

All dogs had been treated with flea medication, wormed, and vaccinated. Fur clipping was performed where possible to improve their comfort and mobility, as the severe matting was restricting movement and causing pain. After initial treatment, the dogs were transferred to various animal rescue centers for ongoing care and rehoming efforts. Five young male and one female poodles were taken to Greenacres Animal Rescue, while the remaining dogs were distributed among RSPCA centers and branches. Sadly, one dog was euthanized on welfare grounds due to its condition.

Footage and photographs presented during the court hearing vividly depicted the squalid conditions inside Rath Farm. District Judge Mark Layton was shown the images, and the RSPCA officer present commented, ‘This is pretty disgusting.’

Silk pleaded guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, along with an additional charge of neglecting to meet the needs of her thirty poodles. She appeared in court representing herself and expressed remorse, citing personal family issues and health problems as mitigating factors.

In sentencing, Silk received a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete ten days of rehabilitation activities, pay costs amounting to £10,300, and a court surcharge of £134. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping, dealing, or transporting animals for ten years, effectively banning her from animal-related activities for a decade.