PATRICK WARD, LEIGH PUPPY DEALER, SENTENCED AFTER CRUELTY CASES IN GREATER MANCHESTER

Patrick Ward, a man born on July 12, 1977, and residing on Windermere Road in Leigh, Wigan WN7, has been convicted of multiple animal cruelty offences linked to his activities as a puppy dealer. His case came to light following a detailed investigation by the RSPCA into allegations of inhumane treatment and dishonest practices involving the sale of puppies in the Greater Manchester area.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of neglect and exploitation. One of the dogs rescued by the RSPCA was among the many victims of Ward’s alleged cruelty. The investigation revealed that Ward, along with his co-defendants Martin Ward and Julie Michelle Ward, had been involved in a series of offences related to the sale of puppies, which they conducted from two addresses in Leigh. These individuals were found guilty in their absence in August 2016, but they fled before facing sentencing. As of the latest updates, only Patrick Ward has been apprehended and sentenced, while the whereabouts of Martin and Julie Ward remain unknown.

In May 2018, Patrick Ward was finally arrested and subsequently sentenced to 22 weeks in prison. In addition to his incarceration, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £150. Furthermore, Ward received a ten-year ban from keeping any animals, a disqualification that will remain in effect until May 2028. This penalty aims to prevent him from engaging in similar activities in the future and to protect animals from potential harm.

The investigation was led by RSPCA Inspector Pippa Boyd, who provided insight into the case. She explained that the inquiry was initiated after numerous complaints from members of the public who had purchased puppies from Ward and his associates, only to see these animals fall ill shortly after arriving at their new homes. The authorities suspected that the trio was importing puppies from elsewhere and then selling them from their properties in Leigh.

During the execution of warrants at the two addresses in February 2016, police and RSPCA officials discovered a troubling scene. At the Windermere Road property, they found several mobile phones labeled with different dog breeds, suggesting the scale and variety of the operation. At the Douglas Road address, they uncovered three dogs, one of which was found with an untreated broken pelvis. Additionally, the body of a deceased Jack Russell terrier was discovered abandoned in a kennel, highlighting the extent of neglect involved in the operation.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations and law enforcement to combat illegal puppy trading and cruelty. Patrick Ward’s conviction marks a significant step in holding those responsible accountable and ensuring stricter oversight of animal sales in the region.