Golden retrievers found in poor, cramped, and dirty conditions at popular attraction
Visitors to the The Golden Retriever Experience would have had no idea that the dogs they were paying to play with were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
The attraction had received international news coverage for its popularity, but its business owner has now been banned from keeping dogs for ten years and was handed an 18-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Visitors to the attraction had the opportunity to spend time surrounded by the dogs in the fields but behind the scenes the animals were living in poor conditions, with two dying after getting into fights and another having his genitals severed during a fight.
Nicolas Eugene Grant St James, 62 from Minehead, pleaded guilty to failing to provide accommodation of a sufficient size for the number of dogs, failing to keep the accommodation clean, failing to provide a comfortable place for the dogs to rest, and failing to provide continuously available fresh, clean drinking water for the animals.
The RSPCA first investigated the business after it received reports of dogs being injured and dying due to fights breaking out in overcrowded conditions as part of the commercial operation.
After failing to meet the RSPCA's requested improvements, the police removed all the dogs from the property.
The vet who examined the dogs said they were 'not protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease'. They added that 'none of the dogs' needs under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act were met.
The vet added: 'The environment was inadequate in size and comfort; there was a lack of constant access to clean drinking water; dogs were not protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease; and they were unable to exhibit normal behavior or be separated when needed.'
The dog center opened ten years ago by St-James, who wanted to invite people to 'join our incredible pack of goldies for some much-needed doggy cuddles.'
The website adds that the dogs are 'impeccably trained and endlessly affectionate,' perfect for dog lovers who don't own their own pets.
A basic two-hour long session set adults back $80, seniors $67, and children $40, but is free for children under two.
The business became especially popular after a TikTok user recommended people visit the center after going there with her partner to mark their anniversary.
Her video, showing dozens of retrievers frolicking in the grass, went viral, reaching more than 4 million views on the platform.
A behaviorist, whose report was used as evidence, said that the dogs' access to water was restricted, they said: 'The dogs were kept in crowded conditions within a dirty home when not at the "experience".
'Bedding was not provided and drinking water was restricted to prevent indoor urination. The group included unspayed females and unneutered males living in close contact.
'The dogs in this case were not provided with adequate resting or sleeping places, ideally all dogs should be provided with options for resting places that provide appropriate comfort.'
In such a large group of dogs a number and variety of types of bed is preferable. Bedding can be considered a valuable resource by dogs.
The behaviorist continued: 'Dogs with higher levels of impulsivity and fear are more likely to display resource guarding aggression.
'Resource guarding aggression represents behaviors such as growling, freezing, snapping and biting.
'This behavior can be shown by some domestic dogs that are possessive of valued resources, for example, food, toys, or sleeping sites.'
The behaviorist continued: 'DEFRA's code of practice for the welfare of dogs states fresh clean drinking water should be available at all times. The restriction may increase the value of water to this group of dogs which may cause conflict over the resource when it is available to them.'
The business owner has been suspended for 12 months. He is also banned from keeping dogs for ten years, must carry out 200 hours of community service, ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and pay $6,700 costs and a $200 victim surcharge.
During sentencing District Judge Brereton told St James he repeatedly ignored advice and warnings, that the provision for his dogs was 'woefully inadequate', and that this led to deaths and serious injuries.
She also said he showed 'no remorse' and focused on his personal 'financial loss' rather than the impact on the dogs welfare.
RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel said after the hearing: 'These dogs were failed when it came to receiving the care they needed.
'Water, comfort and a safe living environment are basic needs that every owner has a duty to fulfil to ensure the needs of their animals are being met.'
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