Defendants sentenced for unlicensed dog sales after first prosecution by council under new regulations

Three individuals last month pleaded guilty to selling dogs without a licence following what is believed to be the first prosecution under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

The proceedings were brought by East Northamptonshire Council against Nigel Hockey, Maxine Thornton and Evangeline Proctor.

On 14 October the three defendants were sentenced to:

  • A twelve-month community order and ordered to perform 80 hours unpaid work;
  • A disqualification order for 5 years from dealing in dogs (both selling and breeding) to commence immediately.

The defendants were also ordered to pay £3,000 each as a contribution to the prosecution’s costs, plus an £85 victim surcharge.

The council said its officers had suspected illegal activity on the Lilford Estate for a number of years and evidence obtained in October 2018 led to a full investigation which resulted in the successful prosecution at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court.

Cllr Steven North, Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “This case has highlighted that illegal dog sales can happen anywhere, especially in rural areas. We are delighted that the hard work of the team at East Northamptonshire Council has resulted in a conviction.

“We are continuously working to prevent illegal traders from selling dogs and would urge anyone considering buying a new puppy to be vigilant and report concerns to the Environmental Services Animal Licensing Team”.

Nicholas Truelove, a barrister at Kings Chambers who appeared for the council, said: “This was a good result following an intense and lengthy investigation. It demonstrates that the new regulations have sufficient breadth to require licences for advertising the sale of, as well as the actual sale of, dogs and puppies for profit. 

“In turn, as was hoped at the introduction of these regulations in October 2018, this should lead to a significant improvement in the welfare of such animals. There may be a long way to go to achieve this nationally, but this is a significant step in the right direction.”

Truelove was instructed by Ruksana Munir of LGSS Law.

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