Mother and son guilty of breeding kittens in dark, dirty sheds

MOTHER AND SON GUILTY OF BREEDING KITTENS IN DARK, DIRTY SHEDS

Clayton Hopwood, former owner/operator of Glendevon Poultry, and his mother, a co-director of Edinburgh firm Avante Media Ltd, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of the 12 cats.

Clayton Hopwood also admitted breeding kittens without the required licence.

Much to the disappointment of the Scottish SPCA, who investigated the case, Clayton Hopwood received a paltry fine and an eight-month ban on dealing in animals while his mother was merely admonished.

On October 18, 2024, the Scottish SPCA visited the pair’s address – a substantial rural property, which has since been sold for around £700,000 – after a call from a concerned member of the public who had purchased a kitten from Clayton Hopwood.

The kittens appeared malnourished and unwell, with some suffering from diarrhea and strong ammonia fumes in the sheds.

The health of a kitten deteriorated rapidly, leading to her being put to sleep.

Clayton claimed that he and his mother, trading as Glendevon Kittens, were hobby breeders with three litters that year.

An Animal Welfare Notice was issued advising them to meet welfare standards and register if they breed more than three litters annually.

In May 2025, concerns rose again after another buyer reported poor conditions and unwell kittens.

Scottish SPCA found four more cats and another litter of kittens in inadequate sheds, with some suffering from ear mites.

All cats were rehomed.

The case has been widely reported, highlighting poor breeding standards and inadequate care, with sentencing including a fine and an eight-month ban on dealing in animals.