MICHAEL, JOHN, AND TOM STOKES: PUPPY FARM SCAM IN STOKE AND HIGH WYCOMBE ENDS IN JAIL

In a detailed investigation that uncovered a widespread puppy trafficking operation, Michael Stokes, John Stokes, and Tom Stokes, all members of the Irish traveller community, have been convicted of serious animal cruelty and fraud offenses linked to their illegal puppy sales across Stoke-on-Trent, High Wycombe, and Liverpool.

Michael Stokes, born around 1997, previously resided on Norris Road in Stanfield, Stoke ST6, but has since moved to Dashwood Avenue in High Wycombe HP12. John Stokes, born circa 1978, formerly lived on Festival Close in Festival Park, Stoke ST6, and now resides on Haydn Road in West Derby, Liverpool L14. The youngest of the trio, Tom Stokes, born approximately 1989, was previously based on Finstock Avenue in Blurton, Stoke ST3, and is now at the Linehouses caravan site on Boathorse Road, Stoke ST6 4QQ.

These individuals operated a puppy selling scheme from multiple addresses in Stoke-on-Trent, advertising their puppies on Gumtree. However, their business was marred by allegations of neglect, deception, and cruelty. Many of the puppies sold by the Stokes brothers fell ill shortly after being purchased, with some dying soon after the sale. Numerous buyers faced exorbitant veterinary bills in attempts to save their pets, highlighting the severity of the neglect involved.

Prosecutor Caroline Harris outlined the case in court, emphasizing the suspicious similarities in the advertising language used across different listings and addresses. She explained, “The same wording was used to advertise different types of puppies from several addresses in a short space of time. The Crown’s case is they were bred elsewhere and brought to the addresses.”

She further detailed the deception involved, stating, “The buyers asked to see the dogs’ mother. Various excuses were given. The defendants lied about the dogs to profit from them. Scant regard was shown for the welfare of the puppies. Many dogs were sold in an unwell state or became unwell soon after.”

Many of the buyers expressed discomfort and concern about the health of the puppies, but their worries were dismissed or mocked by the defendants. Some buyers reported feeling unable to leave the puppies in the kennels due to their frail condition. The defendants’ primary focus appeared to be profit, with little regard for the animals’ health. The court heard that if the puppies had been taken to vets for vaccinations and proper care, many would have avoided suffering.

Financial transactions revealed the scale of the operation. Police recovered £18,280 and 350 euros from John Stokes’ address in Festival Close, Festival Park, and seized £8,790 from Michael Stokes’ property in Norris Road, Stanfield. Investigators also uncovered numerous documents, including fake vaccination cards, further evidence of the fraudulent scheme.

Tom Stokes was also involved in selling puppies, operating from Finstock Avenue, Blurton. The puppies sold in poor health were found to be suffering from parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease, due to the defendants’ failure to ensure proper vaccination. Harris noted, “They failed to ensure proper vaccination. Victims in this case were emotionally exploited. Several reported not being able to leave unwell dogs with the defendants. There was further loss to the complainants in vets’ fees. A number of puppies died as they were unwell when they were sold.”

All three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud. Michael Stokes also admitted possession of criminal property, causing unnecessary suffering to animals, and breaching a suspended sentence. John Stokes admitted possession of criminal property and causing unnecessary suffering, while Tom Stokes pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.

During sentencing, the court heard mitigating circumstances. Milly Webb, representing Michael Stokes, who was absent due to hospitalization, described him as suffering from emotional unstable disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She argued that imprisonment would significantly impact his children and emphasized his young age and mental health issues, stating, “He accepts he made a stupid mistake. He is young. He has mental health issues. He has not experienced a prolonged period of time in custody before.”

Dean Easthope, representing John Stokes, highlighted his client’s health problems, including a heart condition and wheelchair dependency. Easthope explained, “He was desperate. They had rent arrears. He simply needed money. He accepts the full facts of the prosecution case. He regrets what he did and is remorseful. He regrets the death of the puppies.”

For Tom Stokes, mitigation was presented by Danae Larham, who noted that he sold fewer puppies and was driven by financial hardship. “He was unable to pay his bills. That is what led to this offending. He did not have enough money and found illegal ways to rectify that. He has now found legal ways,” she said, suggesting a significant prospect of rehabilitation and the possibility of a suspended sentence.

Judge Paul Glenn described the offenses as extremely serious, emphasizing the organized and sustained nature of the criminal activity. He stated, “The covid pandemic saw a boom in pet ownership. Nearly three million pets were acquired during lockdown with dogs being the most popular choice. For many people, dogs helped to prevent social isolation and mental health benefits are clearly identified.”

The judge condemned the defendants’ involvement in illegal puppy farms and the importation of puppies in poor conditions. He highlighted that many puppies were frail, underweight, and kept in squalid conditions, sometimes in excrement and vomit. The court also noted the fraudulent paperwork supplied to buyers and the dismissive attitude towards their concerns.

Judge Glenn concluded that the scale and planning of the offenses warranted immediate custodial sentences. Michael Stokes was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, John Stokes received three years, and Tom Stokes was jailed for two and a half years. All three are also banned from owning or keeping dogs for ten years, reflecting the gravity of their crimes and the impact on the victims involved.