GERAINT WOOLCOCK, THE PUPPY FARMER FROM GWAUN-CAE-GURWEN, SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY IN AMMANFORD

Geraint Woolcock, a resident of 28 Lon Beili Glas in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Ammanford, was found guilty in 2023 of multiple animal cruelty offences involving dogs and a rabbit. Woolcock, who has a history as a wildlife persecutor previously prosecuted for badger baiting, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to animals under his care.

According to court records and evidence presented by the RSPCA, Woolcock failed to provide adequate veterinary care for several animals, leading to significant suffering. Specifically, two dogs suffered unnecessarily because he did not seek timely medical attention for an eye condition. Additionally, four dogs endured pain and discomfort due to neglect of their skin and eye health. Another dog experienced distress because Woolcock did not provide proper veterinary assistance during a difficult birth, which could have endangered the animal’s life.

Beyond the health issues, Woolcock’s neglect extended to the living conditions of his animals. He failed to ensure that 15 dogs had access to a suitable environment, lacking proper space, adequate lighting, warmth, ventilation, and hygienic bedding. A rabbit kept at the property was also found in a poor environment, housed in a small hutch without bedding and with only a limited water supply. The vet’s report described the rabbit’s hutch as so cramped that the animal struggled to turn around.

Inspectors from the RSPCA, led by Keith Hogben, responded to a call from South Wales Police and visited Woolcock’s property. During their inspection, they discovered four puppies in a small brick outbuilding attached to the house. The puppies were kept on soiled newspaper, with no bedding, in an environment heavily tainted with urine and faeces, and with minimal ventilation. The conditions were deemed unsuitable by the attending veterinarian.

Further inspections revealed four lurchers kept in a shed in total darkness, with some clean shavings on the floor and water present. Despite their good physical condition, the environment was inadequate due to its size, lack of natural light, and poor ventilation. Another shed contained three dogs—two terrier-type and one Bedlington-type—living in similarly poor conditions. Inside this shed, there were dog runs with very little natural light, and hazards such as metal mesh were present.

One of the most distressing findings involved a spaniel-type dog in labor, confined in a metal puppy crate with a dead puppy beside her. The dog was left unsupervised and without bedding. The vet urgently examined her and discovered that a puppy was stuck in her birth canal, necessitating immediate veterinary intervention. The injured dog was taken outside into the daylight and placed on a blanket for treatment. Rescue officer Ellie West then transported the distressed dog to a veterinary clinic for emergency care.

Following the court proceedings, a deprivation order was issued, transferring ownership of the seized animals into the care of the RSPCA. Woolcock was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 100 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £1,000 in court costs, and a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, he is banned from keeping dogs for three years, with the ban set to expire in June 2026. Woolcock’s legal team has lodged an appeal against the conviction.

These events highlight the ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen area and serve as a reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of animal protection laws to prevent such neglect and cruelty.