MARCIA JONES OF SHREWSBURY CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE AND BREACH OF BANNING ORDERS

Marcia Jones, also known as Marcia Hollins-Jones, born on April 16, 1944, and residing at The Old Crem, Sleap, near Shrewsbury (SY4 3HE), was convicted in 2019 for severe neglect and abuse of dogs used for breeding.

Jones, a notorious puppy farmer and serial animal abuser, was reported to have demonstrated 'no remorse' for her treatment of the animals at her puppy-selling operation located at the Old Crematorium in Sleap, approximately nine miles north of Shrewsbury.

During a visit from the RSPCA, inspectors found numerous violations, including more than 70 dogs on the premises, some suffering from severe injuries such as bite wounds. One such dog, Pippa, a Jack Russell-Terrier cross, had an exposed leg bone and an infected leg, which was improperly treated with Calpol, a children's medication, instead of proper veterinary care. Pippa was eventually examined by a veterinarian, who determined her suffering was severe enough to warrant euthanasia.

Jones was charged and pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences. The court particulars revealed that she lived in a static caravan on her property and possessed a breeding license granted by Shropshire Council.

The RSPCA investigation was triggered by concerns raised by her veterinarian, who had examined three dogs between August 2017 and May 2018. The vet suspected some animals had been injured in fights and left untreated for days. Inspector Kate Parker described the conditions as "prolific failure towards animal welfare," noting that she observed 'the puppies in what Hollins-Jones called the 'maternity wing' were particularly at risk in such a cold and damp environment with no heat lamps as required by law.'"

She further added, “She was breeding the dogs for money, demonstrating she had no regard for their well-being. She showed no remorse for her actions. In Pippa’s case, she was left untreated for at least two days. Instead of getting veterinary help, Hollins-Jones only administered Calpol, which would have caused her substantial suffering.”

In addition to Pippa, Jones was found to have mistreated two miniature dachshunds, Dexter and Fat Pud's Pup, both suffering from serious bite wounds, including injury to Fat Pud's Pup's eye. Fortunately, both animals recovered.

Historically, Jones has a lengthy history of animal welfare offences. She was previously prosecuted by the RSPCA and in 2001 received a ten-year ban from owning or dealing with animals due to her involvement with dying, emaciated horses and a Jack Russell with an untreated broken leg that had to be amputated. Further, in 2005, the BBC’s Inside Out program showed her still engaged in puppy dealings despite her previous ban.

In her 2019 sentencing, she was ordered to pay £1,600 in costs, fined £1,400, and contribute a £40 victim surcharge. She was banned from keeping animals for three years, with this ban set to expire in January 2022, though it was suspended for 28 days to allow her to re-home animals she already owned. Moreover, she was prohibited from applying for a breeding license for ten years.

An update from Whitchurch Herald and Shropshire Live revealed that Jones breached her ban by selling a Doberman named Missy on February 7, 2019, just two weeks after her license ban on January 21, 2019. Courts responded by imposing an eight-week curfew from 9 pm to 7 am and ordering her to pay an additional £400 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge. Her ten-year disqualification from dealing in dogs remains in effect.