Unlicensed West Norfolk dog breeder fined and banned from keeping animals
He'd previously ignored advice that he required a licence to breed dogs
Last updated 31st Oct 2024
An unlicensed dog breeder in West Norfolk's been fined, banned from keeping animals and required to work unpaid.
It's after 62-year-old Paulo Esteves, previously of Elm High Road in Wisbech, pleaded guilty to one count of unlicensed dog breeding.
The charges followed an investigation by the Borough Council's licensing team, who had received a report of an unhealthy adult dog purchased from the breeder.
In the course of their initial investigation, the Licensing team discovered that the defendant had been placing adverts as far back as 2016, and that in 2022/23 he had sold several litters for £17,550.
Esteves previously ignored advice from the licensing team that he required a licence to breed dogs.
In August 2023 a search warrant was carried out at the defendant’s home address where two German Shepherd puppies with ear problems requiring veterinary attention were found, along with a mother who needed to be with her pups.
Cllr Jim Moriarty, Cabinet member for Licensing, said: “The breeding of dogs is strongly regulated to ensure the animals' welfare is paramount.
"The Borough Council makes regular inspections of licensed breeders premises, to ensure necessary procedures are being carried out, to check that proper vet and other records are being kept, and to visually inspect animals to ensure standards are maintained.
"Unlicensed breeders are not subject to these inspections and will often not keep to the same standards of care for the animals.
“In this case, the defendant deliberately obstructed our investigation. When the warrant was executed he attempted to hide one of the seven mobile phones seized in his microwave.
"He ignored earlier warnings that he required a license to carry out his business and needed to look after the wellbeing of his dogs.
“I thank the licensing team at the borough council for their diligent work on this case and hope this contributes towards deterring others from doing this in the future.”
He was given a £4,000 fine plus a £114 victim surcharge, has been banned from keeping animals for 3 years, and will also serve a 12-month community order requiring him to work 300 hours unpaid.