An illegal and unlicensed puppy farm operating in Bexley has been shut down following an intervention by Trading Standards.

Complaints about puppy sales have spiked during the pandemic lockdown, and Bexley Council were approached by Naturewatch Foundation to investigate the case of unlicensed puppy sales.

The charity works to improve the lives of animals, and provided evidence to the council to support an on-going investigation into the suspect, before the case was passed to Bexley Trading Standards..

The breeder, who was operating across the borough of Bexley, has now admitted to committing an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for failing to have a licence for breeding dogs,

They have also been given a formal Simple Caution issued by trading standards in August, and has stopped trading.

Andrew Swinburne, Naturewatch Foundations Animal Crime Manager said: "In April this year, we received information concerning a person operating a puppy farm in the London Borough of Bexley.

"As a result of our investigation an evidential report was disseminated to Trading Standards in Bexley. We are really pleased with the response of the Council and the action taken.

"This has led to a person being formally cautioned for illegal dog breeding and they are no longer breeding."

Advice on what to look out for when buying from breeder can be found on the Gov.UK website.

The Council works closely with the Corporation of London vets for licensing and inspections are carried out to ensure animal welfare of both the mother and puppies when a breeding licence is in place.

Investigations are continuing into other complaints, and appropriate action will be taken.

Councillor Peter Craske, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Places said: "Thanks to the diligent work of our Trading Standards team and the Naturewatch Foundation, there is one less illegal dog breeder operating in our borough.

"The Council takes allegations of this nature seriously and asks the public to be vigilant against unlawful breeders. Please take care and do research when looking to buy a puppy. Always ask to see the mother with the puppies."