Daniel Doherty, 49, is an English vet who assisted a gang to make millions of pounds in an illegal puppy trade scam. More than 5,000 sick or dying puppies were exported to the UK from Ireland and sold to new owners who believed them to be healthy pedigrees.
Doherty provided false health checks and vaccination cards. These stated that the dogs were immunised and treated for fleas and worms. However, the reality was that the puppies had been reared in squalid conditions and had a host of health issues.
Puppy Trade Scam Made a Profit
This scam resulted in a £2.5 million profit for the gang who oversaw operations which ran for six years from 2011. Doherty was in charge of two veterinary surgeries in Uxbridge west London. At the time, he charged £16 per dog to give a false clean bill of health. Overall, Doherty made £75,000 from the puppy trade scam.
Increasingly Worried
Concerns were originally raised by one of Doherty’s former staff. Several victims of the scam contacted the RSPCA, since hundreds of dogs had parvovirus when the were sold and died after the transaction. One person paid £470 for a crossbreed poodle and king-Charles spaniel. Within hours of returning to the family home, the dog collapsed, and the family have paid approximately £5,600 in veterinary bills to treat the dog.
A vet from Hertfordshire filed a complaint to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding the severe lack of information on the puppies’ vaccination cards. Subsequently, an RSPCA investigation covered 4,689 puppies at Doherty’s surgeries and a search of his £2.1 million home was conducted.
Those Behind the Puppy Trade Scam Were Predatory
The puppies were sold on Gumtree and other free-ad websites. Those involved in this puppy trade scam falsely informed buyers that the dogs were healthy pedigrees. The sellers were accused of preying on the vulnerable, emotional nature of the buyers. The puppies were visited by the buyers, where they quickly became aware that the conditions were poor. As a result, buyers felt that they needed to rescue the puppies rather than just buy them. Many buyers who were conned have small children or were disabled, elderly or replacing a pet.
Dogs Faced Serious and Fatal Danger
Irish puppy farms are known for supplying less than healthy animals to unsuspecting buyers in the UK. Hundreds of Irish-bred dogs have been seized in ports in Scotland and Wales as a part of Operation Delphin.
In this particular case, dogs were kept in squalid conditions with no light, water and very little food. Four dead or decomposing puppies were also found, along with a German Shepherd that was discovered in a dark cupboard with the lights turned off. The dogs were recovered, however many have since died or had to be put to sleep due to severe health problems.
Final Sentencing
During sentencing, Doherty denied conspiracy to commit fraud. He was given a suspended 12-month prison sentence. Although he appears to have evaded prison, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and to pay a surcharge of £140. The others involved were also sentenced alongside Doherty.
Simon O’Donnell and Edward Stokes received three-year prison sentences. Margaret McDonagh, Thomas O’Donnell and Mary McDonagh received community sentences. All admitted to fraud and animal welfare offences.