KELLY WEBB FROM STROUD SENTENCED OVER CRUEL DOG CONDITIONS IN ARLINGHAM

In a disturbing case that has drawn significant attention to animal welfare concerns, Kelly Webb, a resident of Stroud, was recently brought to justice following the discovery of dogs living in appalling conditions at a property in Arlingham. The authorities acted after receiving reports and concerns raised by naturewatch.org in June 2023, which highlighted issues related to unlicensed dog breeding and the overall welfare of the animals involved.

Subsequently, a warrant was executed at the property, leading to the seizure of seven adult dogs along with a litter of puppies. An independent veterinary assessment was carried out as part of the investigation, revealing serious health and welfare issues among the animals. The conditions in which the dogs were kept were described as squalid and overcrowded, raising alarm about the potential suffering inflicted upon them.

During police interviews, both Kelly Webb and the property owner, John Cacace, declined to comment on the situation. The legal proceedings took a significant turn when Stroud District Council successfully secured legal ownership of the seized animals under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Following this, most of the dogs were rehomed, with only one remaining in custody.

On March 17, 2025, John Cacace admitted to breaching multiple sections of the Animal Welfare Act, specifically Sections 4 and 9, which relate to the welfare and proper care of animals, as well as operating as an unlicensed dog breeder. His admission led to a sentencing hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on March 30, where he was handed a 12-month community order, required to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and was banned from keeping dogs for a period of ten years under Section 34. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £2,000.

Kelly Webb appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on May 2, where she pleaded guilty to similar offences. Her charges included failing to meet the basic needs of animals in her care and engaging in unlicensed breeding activities. The court sentenced her to a nine-month community order, imposed a five-year ban from keeping dogs, and ordered her to pay £500 in costs, along with a fine of £129 and a victim surcharge of £114. The case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal dog breeding and ensure animal welfare standards are upheld in the region.