CRUELTY AT BROMPTON-ON-SWALE: LINDA AND JOHN MORAN AND STEPHEN LAIDLAW'S ANIMAL ABUSE REVEALED

In a disturbing case uncovered at A1 Boarding Kennels and Cattery, located in Brompton-on-Swale, Richmond, North Yorkshire, authorities have exposed severe neglect and inhumane conditions involving Linda Moran, her husband John Moran, and relative Stephen Laidlaw. The investigation revealed that over 100 animals, including dogs and cats, were kept in squalid, unsanitary environments that failed to meet basic welfare standards.

Animal welfare inspectors from North Yorkshire Council, accompanied by veterinary professionals, conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. Their findings were shocking: a large number of dogs, more than 100, were housed in conditions permeated with the smell of urine, with piles of feces scattered across the kennels. The animals' bedding was either missing or grossly inadequate, and many lacked access to clean water. The environment was so contaminated that it was deemed unfit for the animals' care. There was no evidence to suggest that the dogs had been exercised, groomed, or provided with toys or socialization opportunities, which are essential for their mental and physical well-being.

Among the animals found, some dogs had matted, filthy fur, indicating neglect and poor hygiene. Additionally, three cats were discovered in such a dire state that two of them had to be euthanized due to their severe medical conditions. The inspectors' report painted a grim picture of neglect and cruelty, prompting immediate action from authorities.

Linda Moran, a well-known dog breeder who had previously achieved recognition at major dog shows—including winning awards at Crufts 2022—pleaded guilty to six charges related to breaches of her licensing conditions. These charges included having more dogs than permitted without adequate staff, keeping animals in unfit living conditions, and failing to provide proper care, such as grooming and socialization. The magistrates in York heard that Moran's reputation was built on her success in breeding Dogues de Bordeaux and Lhasa Apsos under the name Aibrean. Her involvement in the dog show circuit, including her achievements at Crufts, was highlighted during the proceedings.

Her legal representative, John Goodwin, explained that her life revolved around caring for dogs and that the deterioration of conditions at the kennels was largely due to her taking in numerous rescue dogs following the pandemic. He stated that Moran had become overwhelmed and could no longer manage the increasing number of animals. At the time of the inspection, she was caring for 22 dogs and planned to reduce this number to 17 within six months, explicitly stating she would no longer accept rescue dogs to prevent further issues.

The court was presented with an expert report from July 2023, which concluded that Linda Moran was capable of properly caring for her dogs, suggesting that she was taking steps to address the previous failings. As a result, magistrates ordered her to pay a total fine of £3,190, comprising a £2,100 fine, an £840 statutory surcharge, and £250 in prosecution costs. The court declined to impose a ban on her from keeping animals, acknowledging her efforts to rectify the situation.

John Moran, who was also on the breeding license, admitted to three charges of breaching the licensing conditions related to the number of dogs, their living conditions, and their care. He was fined £1,050, with an additional £420 statutory surcharge and £250 prosecution costs.

Stephen Laidlaw, who was not present in court and did not enter a plea, was jointly responsible for the breeding license. The court heard that despite holding the license alongside Moran, inspectors had never seen Laidlaw on the premises. He was convicted in his absence and ordered to pay a fine of £1,500, a £600 statutory surcharge, and £250 in prosecution costs.

In April 2023, North Yorkshire Council announced that A1 Boarding Kennels and Cattery was no longer licensed for dog breeding or cat kennelling. The business is also under investigation for suspected modern slavery offences, adding to the concerns surrounding its operations.

This case is not the first time the premises have come under scrutiny. In 2005, the RSPCA raided the site, removing 70 animals amid ongoing investigations. Although the RSPCA decided not to prosecute the Morans at that time, the couple later took legal action against the charity, citing emotional trauma and loss of business. The police had previously called in the RSPCA after a customer failed to find anyone on the premises to collect their cat, leading to the discovery of deplorable conditions and Linda Moran collapsing in her home, requiring hospital treatment.

Gerry Palmer of the RSPCA described the conditions as “poor quality, dirty, and deplorable,” with dogs running freely in unsanitary environments. The Morans claimed in an interview that the animals had only been left unattended for one night, a statement met with skepticism by animal welfare advocates. The ongoing concerns and social media reports suggest that animal welfare at A1 Boarding Kennels and Cattery remains a low priority, with many former clients raising serious concerns about the treatment of their pets and the overall standards at the facility.