RICHARD SAMUEL MORGAN JONES: ILLEGAL PUPPY FARMER FROM LAMPETER, CEREDIGION, WALES, FACES COURT AFTER HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE CASE

Richard Samuel Morgan Jones, born around 1985 and residing in Moelfre, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, Ceredigion, Wales, was found guilty in 2017 of operating an illegal dog breeding operation that subjected numerous animals to inhumane conditions. His activities, carried out at two separate premises, led to a series of disturbing discoveries that highlighted the extent of neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the dogs.

Jones’s illegal puppy farms were located at his Moelfre property and another site at Creuddyn Bridge, both in the vicinity of Lampeter. The Ceredigion County authorities conducted thorough raids at both locations in June 2016, uncovering a total of 113 dogs and puppies suffering in deplorable conditions. The investigation was prompted by concerns over the welfare of the animals, which had been kept in darkness, squalor, and without proper care.

Veterinary examinations of the animals revealed severe distress and neglect. Many of the dogs were found to be dangerously underweight, with some suffering from advanced medical conditions. One particularly alarming case involved a dog suffering from gangrene and septicaemia, teetering on the brink of death. The animals were described as mentally stressed, deprived of exercise and social contact, with many kept in isolation. The distress was so profound that some animals exhibited signs of extreme mental suffering, and several were reported to be close to death.

The variety of breeds found at the premises was diverse, including Bichon Frise, Rottweilers, Scottish Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers. The vet, Dr. John O’Connor, documented the suffering of these animals in the 21 charges brought against Jones. Among the most severe cases was a male Scottish terrier with a very advanced chronic skin condition, whose extreme thinness indicated prolonged suffering. The dog’s ears showed crusting and severe inflammation, evidence of long-standing inflammation and scratching.

Another distressing case involved a female Bichon Frise with advanced cataracts and an ear flap showing early signs of gangrene. A newborn Bichon Frise puppy, only a few days old, had to be immediately removed from the premises because it was so thin and cold that it could no longer suckle. Dr. O’Connor described the puppy’s condition as being close to death, with a body condition score indicating extreme neglect.

Jones had previously operated a licensed premises called “The Shed” near Lampeter, which housed over 70 dogs from 2010. The license was renewed annually until 2015, when the local authority decided not to renew it due to concerns over the conditions and Jones’s practices. The license application had been for a capacity of 70 dogs and an annual breeding of 40 litters. Despite the license revocation, Jones continued breeding dogs in 2016 without reapplying for a license. Authorities conducted searches at both his premises, finding 56 dogs at “The Shed” and 38 puppies along with 19 dogs at Moelfre farm.

Jones’s legal defense claimed that he was devastated by the license refusal in 2015, which followed significant investments in “The Shed,” and argued that he had been unfairly treated by the local authority. His lawyer, Matthew Paul, stated that Jones’s ability to care for the animals had been impacted by personal issues, including depression and the responsibility of caring for his family farm. The defense emphasized that the neglect was not deliberate but a consequence of circumstances overtaking him.

In court, the judge ordered all dogs to be removed from Jones’s premises by March 2, 2017. The sentencing included a nine-week suspended prison sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a ban on keeping dogs for four years. However, this ban was later overturned on appeal, allowing Jones to keep dogs for “hill farming” purposes. He was also prohibited from dealing in dogs for six years, with this ban set to expire in February 2023.

Jones’s case drew significant media attention, highlighting the serious issues surrounding illegal dog breeding and animal cruelty in Wales. The Ceredigion Council’s report on the prosecution underscores the importance of strict enforcement to prevent such inhumane practices and protect vulnerable animals from suffering.