AMANDA LE BRETTON'S CRUELTY IN ELLESMERE PORT: DOG OWNER'S SHOCKING ABUSE CAUGHT ON CAMERA

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ellesmere Port, Amanda Le Bretton, born in April 1967 and owner of the Home from Home Dog Retreat, was caught on hidden surveillance footage engaging in acts of cruelty towards dogs under her care. The footage, which surfaced on social media in July 2022, depicts Le Bretton physically abusing the animals, including hitting, kicking, and grasping them in a manner that caused visible distress.

Le Bretton, who has since relocated to Thailand, faced immediate consequences after the videos became public. Her pet sitting license was revoked, and she was subsequently prosecuted for her actions. The videos show her in multiple instances mistreating dogs, including a particularly distressing scene where she is seen lifting a small dog named Lou Lou by her neck, causing the animal to squeal repeatedly in pain and fear. Lou Lou’s owner expressed her shock and heartbreak, telling the local newspaper, the ECHO, that she “couldn’t even cry” upon seeing the footage.

In another clip, Le Bretton is heard saying, “he’s p****d all in here now. God’s sake. They’re misbehaving,” before kicking a small white dog, which responds with a squeal. Further footage shows her bending down to cradle a dog’s face before striking him, then holding the dog in mid-air by his collar, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the animals’ well-being.

Le Bretton pleaded guilty to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals. As a result, she was handed a lifetime ban from owning or working with animals. One of the charges involved her lifting a toy breed dog by the scruff of its neck, causing the animal to squeal, and then hitting it again after turning away. Another video captured her reacting to a group of dogs interested in a patch of floor, where she can be heard asking, “what have you done,” before kicking at two approaching dogs. She then comments on what appears to be dog urine on the floor, saying, “naughty boy Ringo, look at that,” and proceeds to hit a dog.

Veterinary experts testified in court that her actions caused significant anxiety and mental distress among the dogs, severely impacting their welfare. Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed that Le Bretton is no longer permitted to operate a dog boarding or daycare business, emphasizing the severity of her misconduct.

In sentencing, Le Bretton was fined a total of £3,000—£750 for each of the four charges—along with £1,235 in prosecution costs and a £190 victim surcharge. She was also disqualified from owning, keeping, or dealing with any animals for the rest of her life, marking a significant legal consequence for her cruelty.