ANDREW WATTS OF MILTON DAMEREL SHOCKING DOG ABUSE IN HOLSWORTHY

Andrew Watts, a notorious puppy farmer from The Oaks in Milton Damerel, near Holsworthy, has been convicted in 2024 of multiple serious offences related to the illegal breeding and neglect of dogs. Watts, born around 1970, operated a breeding business that involved keeping dogs and puppies in appalling conditions, which were described as dark, damp, and filthy.

Investigations revealed that Watts was breeding Hungarian Vizslas and spaniels without the necessary licensing, leading to a total of 13 criminal charges. The authorities, including officers from Torridge District Council, uncovered a disturbing scene at his premises, where 18 dogs were found living amidst extreme filth. The stench of urine and feces was so overwhelming that the officers had to pause their inspection every ten minutes to recover from the nauseating environment.

The initial complaint that triggered the investigation was received in August 2023, when a local resident reported an online advertisement for Hungarian Vizsla puppies. The puppies appeared underweight and unwell, raising suspicions about their health and the conditions in which they were bred. In October 2023, a joint operation involving the council’s licensing team, police officers, RSPCA officials, and a veterinarian was carried out at Watts’ property. During this raid, they discovered the Vizsla puppies and their mother, who was suffering from severe diarrhea. Additionally, an unwell, heavily pregnant cocker spaniel was found on the premises.

Many of the dogs exhibited burns on their paws, which were believed to be caused by prolonged contact with urine that had not been cleaned. It was also noted that some of the mother dogs had been bred twice a year, raising concerns about the welfare and overbreeding of the animals. Despite the deplorable conditions, Watts managed to show prospective buyers a well-maintained room inside his house, concealing the true state of the dogs’ living environment. However, some buyers reported that the puppies they purchased later suffered from health issues such as upset stomachs and worms, indicating the poor health and neglect the animals endured.

Among the dogs rescued was a dog named Red, who was found living in these horrific conditions. Following the investigation, all the animals were removed from Watts’ care and transferred to various reputable animal rescue organizations, including The Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and Margaret Green Animal Rescue. Many of these animals required months of medical treatment and rehabilitation before they could be safely rehomed. Fortunately, all the mother dogs and their puppies, who had been born in the care of these charities, have now been adopted into loving and caring homes.

Watts, who previously faced a £2,000 fine in 2019 for causing a noise nuisance related to barking dogs on his puppy farm, was brought before the court again. This time, he was sentenced to pay a total of £16,000 in fines but received no ban from breeding or other restrictions. His failure to face more severe penalties highlights ongoing concerns about enforcement and animal welfare standards in such illegal breeding operations. The case has drawn significant attention from local and animal welfare groups, emphasizing the need for stricter regulation and oversight of puppy farms in the region.