Dog Petting Experience Shut Down After Animal Welfare Court Case
Date Published: 1 July 2025
The owner of the once-viral Golden Retriever Experience in Somerset has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years after a court found animals were kept in “disgusting, unclean and cramped” conditions—some resulting in death due to neglect and fighting.
62-year-old Nicolas St James, who operated the attraction in Dunster, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison—suspended for a year—after pleading guilty to multiple animal welfare offences. The Golden Retriever Experience, which offered visitors petting sessions with up to 30 golden retrievers, gained popularity through social media but was shut down following an RSPCA and Somerset Council investigation.
Conditions Described as ‘Grossly Overcrowded’
In May 2024, inspectors found 20 dogs crammed into a galley kitchen with a concrete floor and others confined to a single bedroom. A local vet confirmed treating several dogs for injuries sustained during fights, with two animals dying from bite wounds. Many had untreated calluses, and the RSPCA stated that fresh water was scarce.
District Judge Brereton condemned St James’ “arrogant” attitude, noting that he ignored four warnings and prioritised his finances over animal welfare.
Whistleblowing Staff Raise the Alarm
Former employee Rhianne Aitken, 34, who worked on-site between May and August 2023, described the job as a “horrible nightmare.” Living in a caravan near the site, she helped care for the animals and was among those who alerted authorities.
“The dogs didn’t have toys or proper affection unless we gave it,” Aitken said. “One nervous dog was placed with an unfamiliar group and was later mauled to death.”
Another former staff member, Maisie Lang, said, “There was no control. The house was dirty—by the end of the day, there’d be black coming out of my nose.”
Licence Revoked and Dogs Rescued
The RSPCA and Somerset Council revoked the attraction’s operating licence after the May 2024 inspection. St James has now dropped his appeal. The 30 golden retrievers were seized and relocated, primarily to an RSPCA facility in Cornwall.
Suzanne Norbury from the RSPCA said the dogs have since been fostered or adopted into loving homes. One adopter, Bridget Dobinson from Devon, shared that her golden retriever, Molly, arrived traumatised: “She wouldn’t even walk between rooms. A year on, she flops into bed at night, but she’s still scared of loud noises and sudden movements.”
Closure of the Attraction
The Golden Retriever Experience confirmed via its website that it would not reopen. “In light of recent events, we are sorry to say that The Golden Retriever Experience won’t be reopening,” the statement read. Visitors with outstanding gift vouchers were advised to contact the business via email.
Final Thoughts
At Halo Dogs, we strongly condemn the suffering exposed in this case. Proper care, responsible breeding, and safe rehoming are values we champion daily. We support tighter laws and robust enforcement to protect dogs from cruelty and exploitation.
