Stacey Skeet, aged 41, of Blaze Park, Kingswinford, appeared before Dudley Magistrates’ Court today (12 May 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 intelligence-led investigations into the unlicensed sale of puppies in the West Midlands area.
Ms Skeet had advertised a litter of Chocolate Labrador puppies that she claimed later died. She admitted advertising a litter of Cocker Spaniel puppies for friends.
Ms Skeet pleaded guilty to all matters. She was sentenced to a fine of £720 and a disqualification from dealing in dogs for 3 years. She was ordered to pay a contribution of £500 towards investigation costs.
A spokesperson 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.