Animal Protection Services are disappointed at a sentence handed out to a man, Harry Shane Evans, who sold a sick puppy in ALDI’s Car Park in Bangor.
Harry Shane Evans, aged 32, of Bro Syr Ifor, Tregarth, Bangor appeared before Caernarfon Justice Centre to answer offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Pet Animals Act 1951.
The proceedings were brought by Animal Protection Services, a registered charity that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty. The prosecution follows an investigation into Mr Evans having sold a poorly puppy from ALDI’s Car Park in Bangor.
VETERINRAY EVIDENCE HEARD IN COURT
The court heard how the puppy, now named Bonnie, was diagnosed with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis due to poor biosecurity arrangements. In mitigation, Mr Evans admitted that he should have done more to protect Bonnie from pain, injury, suffering, and disease. Mr Evans admitted that the puppy had been “passing worms” prior to the sale and admits he “could have done more”. He also admitted that he had done “limited prior research on Google” before breeding and selling puppies.
Veterinary evidence described how Bonnie was weak, recumbent, and underweight. It suggested that Bonnie would have suffered unnecessarily leading up to and during her illness. It further suggested that the conditions to which Bonnie was exposed to in her early life prior to being sold were likely of poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, poor biosecurity and overcrowding.
Further sales of puppies had been reported to authorities but could not be investigated due to the reluctance of witnesses to give evidence.
Mr Evans pleaded guilty to offences under the Pet Animals Act 1951 for carrying on a business of selling pets in a public place. In addition, Mr Evans pleaded guilty to failing to ensure an animals’ welfare under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
A spokesperson on behalf of Animal Protection Services said: “We are extremely disappointed that the court did not ban Mr Evans from keeping dogs. Anybody who breeds and sells dogs for profit should conduct prior research and preparation.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill 2019-21 is needed now than more ever to prevent wholly inadequate sentencing.”
Mr Evans was fined and ordered to pay costs of £2,000. Full compensation was awarded to the victim.
If you have been a victim of the puppy trade, you should report it on the Four Paws website. Click here to make your report.