Rocky Knight seemed like a good guy. Polite and friendly, he raised dogs and visited each home, ostensibly to see where his dogs were going. But when his puppies started getting sick and dying in their new homes, people were not only saddened, they got suspicious, too.
Then the RSPCA was called in, and none too soon, either. Pippa Boyd, an inspector with the RSPCA said in a press release,“People thought he really cared where his puppies were going. The reality is that he didn’t want people to know where he lived or to see the conditions he kept his dogs in.”
The day the RSPCA arrived at Knight's house, after obtaining a search warrant with the help of the police, only three dogs were there, but one was already dead. The cramped, dirty condition of the dog pens was appalling. There was no place on the wet, filthy concrete for the dogs to lie down comfortably. According to Boyd, "We found crossbreed Patsy and pug Phoebe living in horrendous conditions in dark, dank and cold pens with no warm bedding or dry areas off of the cold, hard floor.”
​
Phoebe was having difficulty breathing and both dogs had skin conditions. The RSPCA immediately took them in and started treatment. They probably wouldn't have lasted much longer if they hadn't been rescued from Knight's "reputable" business.
Fortunately, both dogs fully recovered and found forever homes where they are treated like the good dogs they are. Knight, on the other hand, was arrested on three counts of animal welfare violations and is now serving time in jail. He will never again be allowed to have animals in his care.
“Phoebe has settled in really well in her new home, it’s like she has always been here,” Nicola, Phoebe’s new mom, said in a press release. She is described as a beautiful little pug with a fabulous nature. Both Phoebe and Patsy are enjoying their new homes, where they are clean, comfortable, well-fed and loved. And that's the way we like to see stories end!
The RSPCA recommends anyone considering adding a dog to their home consider adopting from a shelter first. There are so many dogs waiting for a forever home. Wouldn't you love to have a new pup under your tree this year? Share this story with friends and shine a light on rescues like the RSPCA who often make the difference between life and death for so many animals!