Several unlicenced puppy traders appeared before Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 25th March 2021 to answer offences under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The proceedings were brought by Animal Protection Services, a registered charity that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty. The prosecution follows investigations into the unlicensed sale of puppies in the Wirral area.
Laura Duffy, of East Lancashire Road, Liverpool, plead guilty to offences and was fined £500. She was also ordered to pay £500 contribution to prosecution costs and received a disqualification order from dealing in dogs for 2 years.
David Price, of Sherdley Road, St Helens, plead guilty to offences and was fined £500. He was also ordered to pay £500 contribution to prosecution costs and received a disqualification order from dealing in dogs for 2 years.
Amos Price, of Sherdley Road, St. Helens, plead guilty to offences and was fined £500. He was also ordered to pay £500 contribution to prosecution costs and received a disqualification order from dealing in dogs for 2 years.
Marius Neagoe, of Hardy Close, Bootle, plead guilty to offences and was fined £600. He was also ordered to pay £600 contribution to prosecution costs and received a disqualification order from dealing in dogs for 2 years.
Rachel Young, of Newton Road, St Helens, plead guilty to the offence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. The offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 was withdrawn. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay £250 contribution to prosecution costs. She received a disqualification order from dealing in dogs for 2 years.
Lisa Walker, of Caravan Park, St Helens, plead guilty to offences and was committed to the Crown Court for sentencing and consideration of a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Kate Welch, prosecuting on behalf of Animal Protection Services, said: “Trading of puppies without a licence is not acceptable. The undermining of the statutory licensing regime is a risk to animal welfare and consumer protection.” “The illegal puppy trade has become a low risk, high reward trade and we are determined to ensure that opportunists and organised criminals are brought before the courts to face justice”, the spokesperson added.