Unlicensed Ashford dog breeder prosecuted for animal welfare offences
RSPCA warns buyers to beware after prosecution
In the first case of its kind for a number of years brought by Ashford Borough Council, a local resident has been successfully prosecuted on a number of counts of illegally breeding dogs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
On 13 March 2024, Edith Nishanthy Nixon of Monkton Close, Stanhope, Ashford pleaded guilty to the offences at Folkestone Magistrates Court.
After receiving a complaint from a purchaser of one of the dogs, the council’s Licensing team carried out an investigation and established that Ms Nixon had been responsible for breeding at least 10 litters of Pomeranian pups between 2020 and 2022 without holding an animal activity licence for dog breeding.
'lack of basic care or knowledge'
In addition Ms Nixon admitted under caution that a number of puppies had died due to a lack of milk, and further demonstrated a lack of basic care or knowledge which could have prevented the suffering and deaths of the pups.
This included failure to act promptly when the pups were first noted to be subdued and lethargic, a lack of understanding of how to tell if pups were dehydrated, and no process in place to monitor the pups healthy growth and food intake through regular weighing.
Ms Nixon was given a Community Order, lasting 12 months whereby she is to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
She was also ordered to pay a Victim Surcharge of £114 and to pay the council’s costs of £2,701.50.
Speaking after the court case, RSPCA Kent Chief Inspector Nick Wheelhouse said:
"Puppies have become a valuable commodity and, unfortunately, that has attracted people who want to exploit them in order to make profit.
"Sadly, some breeders do not prioritise the health and welfare of their dogs, and unsuspecting members of the public unknowingly buy puppies who are sick.
"We'd urge anyone who is thinking of getting a dog to consider taking on a rescue instead of buying a puppy. Anyone who is looking for a puppy can use The Puppy Contract to help them buy a happy, healthy dog."