Eastwood woman guilty of illegal dog breeding and sales
An Eastwood woman has pleaded guilty to breeding and selling dogs without a licence.
The case was heard at Nottingham Justice Centre on February 3 with the defendant, Ms Katrina Woods entering a guilty plea to the charge of carrying on of an activity without authority of a licence pursuant to S13(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Ms Woods, 43, was sentenced to a £605 fine, £242 victim surcharge and was required to pay £2,750 costs to Broxtowe Council.
A disqualification order banning Ms Woods from dealing in animals was also awarded for 10 years, with Ms Woods unable to request amendments to the order for at least eight years.
Coun Gabrielle Bunn (Brox All), portfolio holder for community safety at the council, said: “Officers have worked hard on this case and we welcome this outcome.
"Animal welfare is very important and this decision sends a clear message that Broxtowe is not a place where illegal activities around dog breeding and sales will be accepted.
"Anyone who is looking at buying a pet should check that the breeder is licensed – details of the licence holders name and number should be published on any website used for the business and all licenses are issued with a star rating which you can ask to view or check on the local authority website.
"You could also consider adopting from a local rescue, where many lovely animals are waiting for a second chance – all of my pets are former rescues."
When buying a puppy, it is advised that you do:
- Ask to see mum and puppy together.
- Visit your new puppy more than once.
- Get all your puppy’s paperwork before going home, including vaccinations, and ensure your puppy is microchipped.
- Walk away if you are at all unsure.
- Report suspicious sellers or breeders.
- Take your puppy to your own vet for a health check as soon as possible.
Prospective buyers are advised not to:
- Meet anywhere that isn’t the puppy’s home.
- Buy a puppy from anyone who can supply various breeds on demand.
- Buy a puppy that looks too young / small or underweight.
- Feel pressured to buy a puppy.
- Buy a puppy that you suspect has been illegally imported.
If you are concerned about illegal puppy sales, contact the council’s environmental health team on 0115 9177777 or email [email protected]