A man who sold puppies without a licence has been fined following an investigation by the Public Protection Partnership.
Andrew Cash, of Belvedere Park, Wokingham, was convicted at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 17 June.
The 37-year-old was found guilty of selling three litters of cocker spaniel and cockapoo puppies. Cash did not attend the court hearing and the case was heard in his absence, where it was decided he would pay a total of £2,221 in fines, costs and victim surcharge.
Cash was prosecuted following an investigation by officers from the Public Protection Partnership Shared Trading Standards Service, supported by the Joint Case Management Unit.
During 2021, the partnership carried out an operation reviewing internet sites where people sold animals to establish compliance with licensing legislation.
Between April and October 2021, Cash was found to be selling four cocker spaniel puppies for £2,100 each, seven cockapoo puppies for £800 each and a further five cocker spaniel puppies for £1,100 each.
He was previously given advice and a warning about continuing to sell puppies without a licence, but no application was ever received.
As a result, he was prosecuted and convicted under section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which prohibits anyone from carrying out activities involving animals without the appropriate licence or registration, in particular either breeding three or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period, or breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs.
Commenting on the case, Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “It is important for the protection of animal welfare, as well as those buying puppies, that those involved in breeding and selling hold the appropriate licence and are subject to checks on welfare and standards. We will continue to monitor those involved in regulated activities involving the sale of pets to ensure compliance.”
If you have concerns about unlicensed or unfair trading in Bracknell, West Berkshire or Wokingham, contact the shared trading standards service on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
More from Wokingham Borough Council
Stay connected
Stay connected to the communities around you. Enjoy the latest news, updates and highlights straight in your inbox. Subscribe to our Wokingham Borough Connect newsletters now.
