"We will continue to take action": Bristol Council seize 16,000 illegal vapes
Bristol Trading Standards has published its annual report
The Trading Standards team at Bristol City Council has seized more than 16,000 disposable vapes.
The first-ever annual report has been published, detailing the council's effort to tackle rogue traders in the city.
In just one year, the team seized thousands of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products, rehomed 132 dogs, investigated 194 dangerous dog attacks and recovered over £100,000 for victims.
In one investigation, officers rescued seven dogs that were being kept in appalling conditions in a shipping container in a garden in Two Mile Hill. The dogs were being illegally bred and sold.
The offender, Attila Kovacs was prosecuted for both animal cruelty and for fraudulently obtaining £96,500 in Covid Bounce Back Loans, a scheme introduced to support small businesses after COVID-19.
Six of the seven dogs rescued have since been rehomed, and the team have received a PawPrints Gold Award from the RSPCA for going above and beyond to promote animal welfare.
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities committee, said: “We want to thank the Trading Standards team for their hard work and dedication to protecting our communities.
“Their commitment sends a clear message that illegal practices are not welcome in Bristol and will not be tolerated. We will continue to take action, and we encourage everyone to report rogue businesses or traders to Trading Standards or Citizens Advice.
“Together we can ensure that rogue traders have no place in our city”