Stoke-on-Trent Dog-Selling Gang Flogged Sick Puppies in £100k Conspiracy
Three fraudsters have been jailed for selling sick puppies during lockdown, profiting over £100,000 from their cruel scheme
Stoke-on-Trent, UK, Puppies, Fraud, Lockdown, Parvovirus
Stoke-on-Trent: A trio of fraudsters has been sentenced for selling sick puppies during the lockdown. They made a staggering £100,000 from this shady operation. Michael, John, and Tom Stokes sold puppies that were seriously ill, suffering from parvovirus, which is a result of not being vaccinated.
They used Gumtree to advertise various breeds, but when buyers raised concerns, they were brushed off. Some puppies even died shortly after being sold, leaving buyers with hefty vet bills.
In court, it was revealed that they operated from different addresses in Stoke-on-Trent, using the same ads to sell puppies quickly. They made excuses when buyers wanted to see the puppies’ mothers, showing no care for the animals’ well-being.
Prosecutor Caroline Harris highlighted how the defendants showed little regard for the puppies’ health. Many were sold in poor condition, and some buyers felt uncomfortable leaving the puppies with them.
Michael Stokes got three and a half years, John Stokes three years, and Tom Stokes two and a half years in prison. They all admitted to conspiracy to commit fraud, and the judge banned them from owning dogs for ten years.
During the pandemic, many people rushed to get pets, but these guys took advantage of that demand. They sold puppies that were often sick and sometimes even needed to be put down. The judge made it clear that their actions were part of a well-planned scheme that caused significant harm to the victims.
It’s a sad situation, really. People just wanted a furry friend, and these guys exploited that desire for their own gain. The impact on the buyers was huge, both emotionally and financially.