Woman fined for breeding puppies without a licence

A woman who bred and sold puppies from her home without a licence, despite receiving previous warnings, has been ordered to pay £4,000.

Eloise Templar admitted to selling high-value puppies, such as cavapoos, unlicensed from her home in Frenchay, Bristol.

An investigation launched by the Trading Standards' Animal Health Team found evidence of ongoing sales at the property, with each puppy being advertised at a cost of about £1,400.

"This prosecution sends a clear message that we will take decisive action wherever there is evidence of poor animal welfare standards and will pursue anyone who breeds and sells animals without the appropriate licence," said councillor Stephen Williams.

In England, anyone who breeds three or more litters in any 12-month period and sells at least one of the puppies must hold a licence.

Templar pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at Bristol Magistrates' Court on 28 September.

She was fined £1,442, plus a victim surcharge of £577 and £2,000 towards the council's costs.

Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee, thanked the Animal Health Team "for their hard work and dedication in bringing this case before the courts".

He added: "Anyone looking to buy a puppy or other pet should always check that the breeder is properly licensed before making a purchase so that you can be confident that the animal has been bred and cared for in line with the health and welfare standards designed to protect them."

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