Breeder arranged for dogs' ears to be cropped in 'barbaric act of cruelty'

Wales Online

08-07-2025

Breeder arranged for dogs' ears to be cropped in 'barbaric act of cruelty'
Moheiz Adam, 38, also falsified canine passports to suggest the dogs had been mutilated abroad and imported into the country
Moheiz Adam, 38, illegally arranged for the ears of American Bulldogs to be cropped in order to sell them for thousands of pounds
A dog breeder carried out "barbaric acts of cruelty" against bulldog puppies he was intending to sell after arranging to have their ears cropped in order to make more money. He also arranged for false passports to be produced to claim the animals' ears had been cropped abroad before being imported.
Moheiz Adam, 38, was found in possession of American Bulldogs and a pregnant French bulldog, which were kept in poor conditions and one of the animals had their ears cropped.
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He was also found in possession of seven canine passports which would allow the new owner to claim their dog's ears had been mutilated abroad and the animal then imported into the UK.
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A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard the defendant was subject to an undercover operation by reporters from BBC programme, The Hidden World of Designer Dog Breeding, who investigated his business, Sons of Adam. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
A dog with cropped ears
(Image: Newport council )
Appearing on the programme, Adam seemed to facilitate the sale of American Bulldogs with cropped ears, having been contacted by a reporter claiming to be a potential buyer.
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Prosecutor Lee Reynolds said the defendant claimed he could make between £40,000 and £60,000 per litter, and he had had about six litters that year alone.
He offered to sell the reporter a puppy for £13,000 who would be available from six weeks old.
Adam told the reporter he'd "got a guy" and added: "All of my dogs have been done by him". He added: "If any questions are asked, say you bought it from an Irishman, brought from Europe".
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Mr Reynolds said: "It was clear Mr Adam was talking about ear mutilation... He knew the procedure was unlawful and he knew it was causing suffering to the dogs but he put profit before the welfare of these animals."
Some of the dogs
(Image: Newport council )
The defendant also claimed he was a "dog whisperer" and "knew dogs well", and used social media to advertise American Bulldogs with cropped ears.
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On July 12, 2022, representatives from Newport Council attended the defendant's home and discovered American Bulldogs, including one with cropped ears, and a pregnant French bulldog.
The animals were kept in poor conditions and seized under the Animal Welfare Act. Several documents were found, believed to be signed contracts and relating to the sale of puppies.
The defendant said he sold a puppy for a fee between £3,000 and £8,000.
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Adam, of Cromwell Road, Newport, pleaded guilty to fraud and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
The court heard he had nine previous convictions including possessing controlled drugs, possession of a knife, driving with excess alcohol, driving whilst disqualified, burglary, possession with intent to supply class B drugs and public order matters.
(Image: Newport council )
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In mitigation, David Pinnell said his client had "made steps to rebuild his life" and wished to move forwards.
Sentencing, Judge Eugene Egan said: "You selfishly prioritised your financial interests over and above the welfare of the dogs in this case. You engaged in barbaric acts of cruelty of these dogs and unnecessarily caused them pain.
"You lined your pockets in a grotesque, cruel and wholly needless way and the welfare of the dogs were ignored because of your avarice."
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Adam was sentenced to 80 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years.
He was disqualified from keeping animals for 15 years, ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work, a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and to pay £2,000 court costs.