An unlicensed dog breeding establishment has been prosecuted following a joint raid by Trading Standards and Environmental Health on the 6th March 2018.
Whilst the premises had a pet shop licence for selling dogs, they did not have a licence for breeding dogs, and following a complaint about a puppy sale officers visited and found that the premises were not complying with their licence conditions, along with breeding their own puppies without a breeding licence.
Stuart Ward and Tina Harris of T & S Four Paws pleaded guilty at the Newcastle Magistrate Court on Monday 4th March 2019.
Stuart Ward received a 12 month Community Order and has been ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work and attend 9 sessions for reading & writing skills. He was fined £1,275.41 with £81.00 surcharge to court. Tina Harris also received a 12 month Community Order and has been ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work. She has also been fined £1,275.41 with £81.00 surcharge to court. Both have been disqualified from having or obtaining a pet shop licence and breeding licence for 2 years. Over £2,500 in cash was seized during the raid, which will be retained to cover the Council’s costs.
Under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, a licence for breeding dogs is required for:
-
Anyone breeding three or more litters of puppies per year (unless they can show that none of the puppies have been sold).
-
Anyone breeding puppies and advertising a business of selling them. This is irrespective of the number of litters produced per year. This is not restricted to registered businesses – individuals can also be classed as a business depending on the extent of their activities.
If you are unsure whether you need a licence further advice can be found at www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/licence-and-permits/dog-breeding-establishment or you can contact us on 01283 508578.