MANDY ALLINSON AND MICHAEL CONNOLLY'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN GROS MONT

Mandy Jeanette Allinson, born on October 7, 1966, and Michael 'Mick' Connolly, born on March 7, 1963, both residents of Fotherley Farm near Grosmont, Whitby, with the postcode YO22 5QJ, have been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty. The pair operated as puppy farmers, keeping dogs and cats in deplorable conditions that shocked investigators and animal welfare advocates alike.

Animals under their care, including two pet dogs, 18 other dogs, and three cats, were discovered living in squalor within their farm premises. The animals were found in a state of extreme neglect, with many covered in their own excrement and suffering from untreated health issues. The farm’s barn, where many of the animals were housed, was described as cold, dark, damp, and utterly filthy. The conditions were so appalling that some dogs were kept in cramped, dirty cages stacked on top of each other, while others were confined in kennels covered in dirt and faeces. The stench inside the barn was overwhelming, creating what inspectors described as a hellish environment.

Authorities were alerted after numerous buyers purchased puppies from the farm, only to find that many of these animals fell ill shortly after arriving at their new homes. Some puppies were discovered to be riddled with fleas and worms, raising concerns about the health standards maintained at the farm. The investigation revealed that the farm was operating as an unregistered, unlicensed business, with no proper oversight or adherence to animal welfare laws.

During the raid, police and RSPCA inspectors seized a total of 40 dogs and puppies, three cats, and a guinea pig. All animals were removed from the premises to ensure their safety and receive necessary care. The dogs included breeds such as French bulldogs, collies, cocker spaniels, poodles, and crossbreeds like cockerpoos, which are popular but often require specific care. Many of these animals were found to be in a dire state, with matted coats, untreated wounds, and signs of disease. Some dogs had skin infections, open wounds, and were suffering from illnesses such as giardia, campylobacter, and coccidia. The condition of the animals was so severe that a cocker spaniel named Dexter had to be anaesthetized to have 1.4 kilograms of severely matted fur shaved off, leaving him barely recognizable.

Inspector Claire Little from the RSPCA, who led the investigation, expressed her dismay at the conditions found. She stated, “We received a number of calls from members of the public who had bought puppies from the premises and, once home, they’d fallen ill or their new families had discovered they were riddled with fleas and worms. This couple was running an unregistered, unlicensed business breeding dogs and they were not properly protecting the dogs’ welfare and health.”

Further inspection revealed that the couple’s neglect was partly due to their own health issues, including diabetes and depression, which appeared to have impacted their ability to care for the animals properly. The barn also housed a guinea pig in a cage and three cats roaming freely in another part of the farm, all of which were found in poor health or living in unsanitary conditions.

In court, Mandy Allinson and Michael Connolly faced charges related to breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They were sentenced to a ten-week prison term, suspended for one year. Additionally, they received a ban from keeping cats for seven years, which will expire in June 2026. The case has drawn significant attention to the importance of animal welfare laws and the need for stricter regulation of unlicensed breeding operations, especially those exploiting the popularity of designer dog breeds.