JULIE NEWCOMBE'S HORRIFIC DOG PUPPY FARM IN TREDEGAR EXPOSED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tredegar, Julie Elizabeth Newcombe, born on January 28, 1978, was convicted in 2022 for operating a cruel and neglectful puppy farm on her property located at Pen-Ay-Byd, 1 Trefil Road, Tredegar NP22 4ET. The investigation revealed that she kept an alarming total of 90 dogs in conditions so deplorable that they were contaminated by feces and urine, with many living in their own filth and suffering from severe neglect.

Newcombe, who traded under the name Unigryw Francesca’s Fluffy Frenchies, subjected her animals to unimaginable cruelty. Evidence presented during her trial showed that she deprived the dogs of basic necessities such as food and water, and failed to provide adequate veterinary care. The authorities uncovered the bodies of decomposing puppies at her residence, further highlighting the extent of her neglect and the tragic consequences of her puppy farming operation.

Despite her denial of neglecting the needs of her dogs, the court found her guilty after a thorough trial. The prosecution detailed how the environment inside her property was utterly unfit for animals. The environment was filthy, with floors covered in feces and urine, and the dogs were kept in cages that did not meet the minimum standards for size or cleanliness. The court heard that she failed to provide sufficient fresh water, proper bedding, or the opportunity for the dogs to express normal behaviors. Additionally, she neglected to administer necessary veterinary treatments and did not ensure the dogs received proper nutrition.

On September 1, 2020, RSPCA inspectors, responding to a request from Gwent Police, arrived at her property on Trefil Road. The police had already discovered a large number of dogs there and had called in a veterinarian to assess and treat the animals. The vet estimated that the property housed approximately 60 adult dogs and around eight litters of puppies, representing various breeds including Dachshunds, Labradors, French Bulldogs, Poodles, and Bichon Frise.

Inspector Darren Oakley of the RSPCA described the scene as “horrendous” upon arrival. He recounted that many dogs had no access to food or water, and only those outside had water, which was contaminated by rain. When food and water were provided, the dogs ate and drank ravenously, indicating their desperation. The interior of the house was in a shocking state, with floors covered in feces and dogs living in cages immersed in their own filth. The entire house resembled a large, disgusting kennel, with the smell and sights visibly affecting the police and inspectors present.

The outbuildings on the property were even worse. The stench emanating from them was overpowering, and darkness obscured the interior due to lack of lighting. The noises from within were described as horrific, with dogs in distress and suffering. Police secured the property, and the following day, RSPCA officers returned under a police warrant. During this operation, a total of 95 dogs were seized, including one deceased dog found at the scene.

That evening, the first group of dogs was transported to veterinary clinics and kennels for care. The operation continued into the next day, during which a Dachshund died at the vet’s office. The investigation revealed that Newcombe operated a puppy farm where animals endured severe neglect, and her property in Tredegar was at the heart of this cruelty.

RSPCA inspector David Milborrow described the difficult process of removing the dogs, recounting how he spent 90 minutes passing each dog out of a window from the outbuilding at the top of the garden to waiting officers outside. He noted that his protective clothing was heavily soiled with dog feces, and the exposure to the environment made him nauseous and gave him a headache. Inspector Simon Evans provided further insight, describing two particularly horrific rooms in the house that contained a large number of dogs trying to get attention through child-proof gates.

One room was in darkness, with no functioning electric lights, housing a Labrador bitch and her five puppies, all covered in feces and urine. The other room, a utility space with lighting, was filled with dogs living amidst flies, rubbish, and filth. Among the animals were French Bulldogs, Dachshund puppies, and Bichon Frise-type dogs, all suffering from the appalling conditions. Inspector Evans described the overpowering smell of ammonia and the physical toll it took on him during the rescue.

In the days following the rescue, several puppies developed parvovirus, a deadly disease, leading to the euthanasia of some to prevent suffering. Two litters of puppies were born during this period, including a litter of five and a Labrador with eight puppies, one of whom died. The total number of dogs in RSPCA care eventually reached 137, including all the puppies born during their rescue efforts.

During her trial, Newcombe’s defense argued that she was suffering from “horrific” personal circumstances, including domestic abuse, which they claimed impacted her ability to care for the animals. Her legal team also pointed out that she was not working and was receiving income support and disability living allowance, suggesting she lacked the means to improve her situation. They contested concerns about her potential to breed dogs again, citing the return of some cats to her after the offences.

However, the judge found her guilty, expressing difficulty in accepting her claims of being compelled to neglect the dogs. The court considered whether a reasonable person in her position would have acted differently. Ultimately, Newcombe was sentenced to a 12-month probation order, which includes 20 days of women-specific programs. She was also ordered to pay just £1,000 towards the RSPCA’s estimated costs of £200,000. Furthermore, she received a five-year ban from keeping dogs, with the possibility of applying for a review after 12 months.

In August 2023, Newcombe appeared at Cardiff Crown Court to appeal her conviction and sentence. Her appeal was dismissed, and she was ordered to pay an additional £1,200 in court costs. The case has brought significant attention to the issue of illegal puppy farming and animal cruelty in Tredegar and the wider South Wales area, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance and enforcement to prevent such atrocities from recurring.