Twelve emaciated dogs were discovered confined in cramped cages under appalling conditions. An environmental health team found the dogs, who were deprived of food and water, at a property in Cannock after concerns were raised about illegal dog breeding and animal welfare. One dog was unable to stand or move due to the tiny size of its crate, while five French Bulldog puppies were discovered without their mother. Elana Steel, 28, from Wolverhampton, admitted to charges of animal cruelty at Cannock Magistrates Court.
Environmental health officers discovered the puppies living in squalid, cramped conditions, with soiled blankets drenched in urine and feces serving as bedding. Elana Steel, of Wood End Road, admitted to 12 counts of breaching Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which pertains to the duty of ensuring animal welfare, and one count under Section 4 of the same act, related to unnecessary suffering. She is scheduled to return to court on August 1 for sentencing. The raid involved Staffordshire Police, a veterinarian, an RSPCA officer, a locksmith, and a dog warden.