A man has been prosecuted for selling puppies illegally in Plumstead, keeping them in a damp laundry room which compromised their health.
An investigation was launched in September last year into a complaint of puppies being sold illegally at an address on Bournewood Road in south east London.
Puppies were found in an enclosure in a laundry room that "potentially compromised their welfare" as the room was damp, poorly ventilated, and had an odour of excrement.
This investigation led to a successful prosecution of a man who pleaded guilty at Bexley Magistrates’ Court in July to a charge of selling animals as pets without a licence.
The man received a Community Order, which comprises:
• a twelve-week 8.00pm to 6.00am curfew
• paying a victim surcharge
• contributing towards the council’s legal costs.
The man has also been also issued with a Disqualification Order under Section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, lasting five years.
This order prohibits him from owning any animals, including his family dog, and he is not entitled to control or influence the way animals are kept.
Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities said: “You must have a licence to carry out activities like this so that our officers can ensure you are selling animals safely.
"If you have any questions about what you need a licence for or what qualifies you for a licence, get in touch with our licensing team.”
The Royal Borough of Greenwich licences places where animals can be both bred and sold, and the council’s officers investigate complaints about both licensed and unlicensed places.
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