David Parkes, 61, has been found guilty of failing to ensure the welfare of 84 dogs kept at a property in Doncaster. The animals were discovered in April last year in what RSPCA officers described as 'squalid conditions'.
Mr Parkes had denied the animal welfare offences, stating his wife and son were primarily responsible for the dogs' care due to his heavy workload. However, he was found guilty following a two-day trial at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.
His wife, Delphine Parkes, 60, and son, Sam Parkes, 28, previously pleaded guilty to the same offences at a hearing earlier this year. All three are scheduled to be sentenced on 9 December.
RSPCA officers who executed a warrant at the rural cottage in Tickhill reported finding animals covered in faeces and urine, left to breed by themselves. The kitchen was described as being covered in dirt and faeces 'from floor to ceiling', with over 30 dogs crowded on the stairs.
One of the rescued dogs, a springer spaniel named Katy, has since been rehomed. An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed that while one dog later had to be put to sleep due to health issues, all the other dogs have been rehomed.