A 59-year-old man from the Slovak Republic has been found guilty by Guernsey Magistrate Court of animal cruelty and fraud and fined a total of £2,700. He was told that the fine must be paid from custody or he would serve the alternative of 14 days in prison.A 27-year-old woman had charges against her dropped.
The dogs were brought to Guernsey in a van aboard a ferry from St Malo on the 27th August with a final destination in the UK.
Some of the dogs were without water and six were showing severe signs of dehydration. All 25 dogs were bedded on shredded paper which was contaminated with their own faeces and urine.
Also a French bulldog had an infected ingrowing claw.
The Guernsey States Vet Mr David Chamberlain received concerns for the welfare of 25 dogs being transported in a van from Slovakia to the UK via Guernsey, on board a ferry.
Both the man and the woman were arrested in Guernsey and the animals were detained at the GSPCA, where they have been cared for and looked after.
The 59-year-old man from the Slovak Republic admitted two offences under Guernsey animal welfare law and another of fraud.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said: "We have 300 animals in our care at present from birds to dogs.
"We are currently using a large number of towels and appreciate all donations as it costs an average £2000 a day to run the Shelter where we work 24 hours 7 days a week.
"Following the court’s decision there are clearly a number of issues that need to be resolved.
"All 25 dogs remain in our care for the time being and the GSPCA will work alongside the States Vet to figure out the best way forward.
"That process is likely to take a few days so I cannot say much more at this stage, other than I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and I would again like to take the opportunity to appeal for towels, sponsors to join our Angel Pen Pal scheme and also for donations towards the hundreds of animals in our care."
