Couple receive suspended sentence over 'horrifying' puppy farm
The court heard that 60 dogs were rescued
A married couple from Hednesford have been sentenced to 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for their involvement in running a puppy farm.
Ian Wilson and Susan Wilson, of Mount Street, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on 22 September 2025.
The court heard that 60 dogs were rescued after environmental health officers, supported by police, dog wardens, the Dogs Trust and a veterinary team executed a warrant at their small two-bedroom semi-detached home in October 2019.
Cannock Chase Council say despite having previously been warned about breeding and selling dogs without a licence, the Wilson’s continued to run the puppy farm for financial gain.
Environmental health officers found the Wilson’s had placed adverts for 425 dogs between 2017 and 2019 that had an estimated sales value of £105,000.
The court heard that the Wilson’s used false names and addresses to setup multiple accounts to create advertisements with multiple online market places, in order to attempt to evade detection.
"horrifying reality"
A search of their home revealed the presence of incubators and unlicenced hormone drugs used to increase the breeding output of the dogs in order to increase their profits.
The dogs were kept in cramped and rancid conditions, with no attempt being made to care for their health and wellbeing.
Amongst the 60 chihuahua’s and German shepherd’s, 4 litters of puppies were found.
Once the dogs were taken into care, within a short space of time 3 more litters were born and other dogs were confirmed as being pregnant.
The court heard of one particular example, where Ian Wilson had driven to Wales to obtain a German Shepherd from an owner who had short term difficulties in caring for her.
The Wilson’s had told the owner a series of lies about how the dog would be part of their family, how it would be cared for and how it would spend time enjoying long walks on Cannock Chase.
The horrifying reality was very different - during the raid, the dog was found lying in faeces and urine.
Ian Wilson had previously pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading, false representation fraud and money laundering.
Susan Wilson pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading.
In addition to being sentenced to 22 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, both were ordered to carry out 20 rehabilitation activity days and were to be subject to a curfew.
A Criminal Behaviour Order for 3 years was made against both Susan and Ian Wilson and prohibiting them from being involved directly or indirectly in the breeding, boarding, rehoming or sale of any dog and/or the advertising of same via any media.