Cruel dog owners kept animals in revolting conditions in Arlingham

Two people have been banned from keeping dogs for years after their animals were found in poor, filthy and cramped conditions. Seven dogs and a litter of puppies were seized from owners John Cacace and Kelly Webb at a premises in Arlingham, Gloucestershire.

An independent vet had concerns for their health following an inspection. When the pair were interviewed they gave no comment.

Following information from naturewatch.org regarding concerns for the animals’ welfare and suspicions of breeding dogs without a licence, a warrant was executed in June 2023.

Stroud District Council gained possession of all the seized dogs under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and costs were awarded to the council for fees incurred during obtaining veterinary treatment and kennelling fees. All the dogs bar one have been re-homed.

At a hearing on March 17, 2025, at Gloucester Crown Court, Cacace pleaded guilty to offences under Sections 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 along with a charge relating to breeding dogs with a licence.

These charges of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide an adequate environment were brought by Stroud District Council in relation to the dogs that were in his possession and seized by officers.

John Cacace was sentenced on March 30, 2025, at Gloucester Crown Court to a community order for 12 months with 100 hours of unpaid work and a Section 34 disqualification order in relation to dogs for a period of ten years. He was ordered to pay costs of £2,000.

A section 34 disqualification order in relation to dogs means he is disqualified from owning or keeping any dog. He is also forbidden from participating in the keeping of any dog, being involved in buying or selling any dog or entering into an arrangement in which he controls or influences the way any dog is looked after.

At a hearing on May 2 at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, Kelly Webb pleaded guilty to offences relating to failing to meet the needs of dogs in her care and breeding dogs without a licence.

Webb was sentenced to a community order for nine months and received a disqualification order in relation to dogs for a period of five years. She was ordered to pay costs of £500, a fine of £129 and a victim surcharge of £114.

Councillor Chloe Turner, chair of the council’s Environment Committee said: “Ensuring the welfare of animals in our district is a top priority. The conditions in which these dogs were found in were unacceptable, and we are committed to taking action against those who neglect their responsibilities.

“Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to protect animals in need along with partner organisations, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards in animal welfare.”

The warrant under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 was executed in June 2023 in conjunction with Gloucestershire Police local policing team and Rural crime officers, and the investigation was conducted jointly by officers from the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit on behalf of Stroud District Council and the council’s Animal Welfare Team.

The Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit is a shared service working for a number of councils and social housing providers. The prosecution was brought by One Legal, a shared legal service, on behalf of Stroud District Council with the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit.

If you have concerns about animal welfare or activities involving animals, you can contact Stroud District Council via email fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk or contact the Stroud District Council Animal Welfare team on 01453754 478 or licensing@stroud.gov.uk