ROB BRANSBY OF BROUGHTON SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL PUPPY FARM OPERATIONS IN WREXHAM AND SHROPSHIRE

Rob Bransby, a man born around 1986 and residing at Cae Pentre, Brynteg, Broughton, Wrexham LL11 6AQ, has been convicted and sentenced for his involvement in illegal dog breeding activities that took place across the regions of Wrexham and Shropshire. The case highlights the disturbing conditions under which dozens of dogs were kept and the illegal profits generated from this illicit enterprise.

Bransby was initially prosecuted by the RSPCA alongside his mother, Alison Bransby, and his sister, Kayleigh Bransby. The charges stemmed from their operation at White House Farm, located on Hollins Lane, Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 3NU. Despite the court proceedings concluding in October 2022, Rob Bransby failed to appear for his sentencing, leaving his family to face the consequences. The family had built a significant income from their puppy farming business, which involved breeding and selling dogs under the guise of 'home-bred' puppies, although the reality was far from this image.

During a police and RSPCA raid on February 24, 2021, authorities uncovered a shocking scene involving 35 dogs, including breeds such as cavapoos, cockapoos, dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and various terriers. The animals were found living in deplorable conditions, housed in wooden sheds, pens, and kennels, some of which were barely larger than a rabbit hutch. The inspection revealed that the dogs were kept in cramped, unsanitary environments, with makeshift setups that included heat lamps, plastic dog beds, soiled rags, and minimal space. Inside a lean-to structure, a row of metal kennels was observed, with a thin layer of sawdust on the concrete floor, clutter, household items, and dangling electrical cables accessible to the animals.

The investigation uncovered that the Bransby family had amassed approximately £150,000 from their illegal breeding and sales operation. During the raid, authorities seized around £9,000 in cash from a safe at the property, further evidence of the scale of their illicit activities. Members of the public had previously lodged complaints after purchasing puppies from the farm, only to find that many of the animals later fell ill, raising concerns about the health and welfare standards maintained at the site.

Kate Parker, an RSPCA inspector who led the investigation, provided a detailed account of the conditions inside the farm. She described the wooden sheds with stable-type doors, the breeding setups with heat lamps over plastic beds, and the presence of soiled rags and empty bowls. She also noted the cluttered environment, with household items and electrical cables within reach of the dogs, indicating a blatant disregard for animal welfare.

In addition to Rob Bransby, his sister Kayleigh Bransby, who is also an NHS radiographer and resided in Shropshire, was prosecuted. Her partner, Dan Clare, was also involved in the case, although proceedings against him did not continue. The rescued dogs were taken into custody by RSPCA centers in Leicester, Birmingham, and Aylesbury, where they have since been rehomed through the charity’s foster programs.

Following the court hearing, Chief Inspector Ian Briggs from the RSPCA’s special operations unit emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership. He urged prospective dog owners to consider adopting rather than buying from illegal breeders and to conduct thorough research to ensure they are sourcing their pets ethically.

Rob Bransby was sentenced to 18 weeks in immediate custody, fined £728 in costs and victim surcharge, and received a 15-year ban on keeping dogs. His conviction underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal puppy farming and protect animal welfare in the region.