Alison Denise Silk
Causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals (Animal Welfare Act) *
Sentence
26 weeks custody suspended for 12 months, 16 weeks custody suspended for 12 months (concurrent), disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, £154 victim surcharge, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days
On 4 September 2023, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben and Pembrokeshire County Council dog warden Sally Bland attended Alison Denise Silk's property in Camrose, Haverfordwest, where they found 30 poodle-type dogs living in a poor environment overloaded with faeces and urine, with severely matted coats contaminated with faeces. The dogs were housed in a hot conservatory with soiled bedding, no water, and heavy faecal build-up; in rear kennels with no water, empty feeding bottles, and large faecal accumulations; and greeted inspectors barking with matted coats. A vet examination at RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic from 5-7 September 2023 confirmed all but one dog were underweight (many scoring 1/9 or 2/9 on body condition scale), had severe matting with faeces and urine, dental disease requiring extractions or cleaning in 19 dogs, ocular issues likely from irritation or infection, fleas in seven dogs, and matting limiting movement and causing discomfort. Twenty-three dogs were signed over to RSPCA, seven were removed with permission for boarding (later also signed over post-hearing). The dogs received flea treatment, worming, vaccinations, clipping, and further grooming; five young males and one female went to Greenacres Animal Rescue, others to RSPCA care; one was euthanized on welfare grounds.
Pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Appeared unrepresented. In mitigation, expressed sorry and mentioned family circumstances and health issues. District Judge recommended duty solicitor advice, which was not taken.