John Lawrence of Grange Meadow Court, Liverpool appeared before Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31st March 2020 to answer offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Mr Lawrence had plead guilty to all offences on a previous occasion.
Passing sentence, District Judge Nick Sanders told Mr Lawrence that: “You chose voluntarily to engage in a business that is trading and dealing in misery. You have inflicted immense misery upon these two individuals [the victims]. The emotional distress you have caused is unforgiveable. There is a need for deterrent sentencing.”
Mr Lawrence looked astonished as keys jangled and prison officers entered the dock at Crewe Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Lawrence was sentenced to 8 weeks imprisonment for two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to be served concurrently. He is also disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years. He is required to pay full compensation to both victims in the case.
“We are very pleased with the results today at Crewe Magistrates’ Court before District Judge Nick Sanders. The illegal puppy trade has grown dramatically and organised crime groups are taking advantage of the increase in prices of puppies during the pandemic”, said a spokesperson for Animal Protection Services.
James Parry, prosecuting on behalf of Animal Protection Services, said: “The Judge said that deterrent sentencing was necessary for this type of offence. He was correct. This sentence demonstrates to those who indulge in peddling such misery that they will be caught and will be punished.”
Featured photo is a puppy, known as Warwick, that had been sold by John Lawrence.