Illegal dog breeder prosecuted
Published
Wednesday 14 August, 2024
Updated
Wednesday 14 August, 2024
A Sittingbourne woman has been prosecuted for illegal dog breeding following a council investigation.
The woman was found guilty of breeding three or more litters of puppies within a year, and breeding and advertising a business selling dogs without the appropriate licences.
Swale Borough Council began an investigation in 2022 after receiving noise complaints of dogs barking uncontrollably.
Neighbours and other concerned members of the public also made allegations of unlicensed breeding.
An inspection of the property on Diligent Drive, which she has since left, found seven adult German Shepherds living in the home.
The property had been adapted to house a large number of dogs and puppies.
In 2019, Swale Borough Council refused a request from the woman for a licence to breed dogs .
This was in part due to the large number of dogs she was housing, which was considered unreasonable for the property at the time.
She pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial at Maidstone Magistrates court on 7 August 2024.
The council presented evidence from a number of sources - including online dog advertisements, witness statements and other relevant material – and the judge at the trial found her guilty.
Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, said:
“This successful prosecution is testament to the hard work and investigation our officers do to make sure animal welfare in our borough is well looked after.
“Having a licence means that dog breeders understand what is expected of them, and allows us to make sure the animals in their care are being correctly looked after.
“People who illegally breed and sell dogs often cut corners and keep their dogs in unsafe conditions resulting in the animals suffering.
“Some breeders require a licence so if in doubt please check with your local authority – we need to work together to keep the dogs in our borough safe.”
