Puppy crook fined £50k
aYesterday was the final day for submissions to the Government’s consultation on the sale of puppies by pet shops and other third-party dealers.
Like numerous animal lovers nationwide I’m fighting for Lucy’s Law, which is calling for these sales to be banned because they enrich cruel puppy farmers – and crooks like Lisa Canning.
Her prosecution last week was a timely reminder why this trade must be stopped.
Cardiff crown court heard how she was “a front for puppy farms and a conduit through which those maligned businesses operate”.
The court was told that she made around £50,000 by lying about the ages and medical histories of puppies she sold, and even about what breeds they were.
One example was a cockapoo sold for £650 that should have been a cross between a cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle, but DNA tests later showed that it was a mix of miniature poodle, toy poodle and bichon frise.
She claimed the dogs came from family homes but many were sourced from puppy farms in West Wales.
Canning also bred her own puppies, breaching her licence conditions by using bitches that were too young and became pregnant too often. The 50-year-old admitted four fraud charges and one of engaging in unfair commercial practices and was given 30 weeks jail, suspended, plus 200 hours of unpaid work and must pay almost £50,000 in costs and compensation. The prosecution was brought by Vale of Glamorgan Council.
“This business was operating fraudulently on a large scale with absolutely no regard for the rules and regulations put in place to protect both animals and customers,” said councillor Hunter Jarvie.
The council called in local charity Hope Rescue – a stalwart supporter of Lucy’s Law – to help care for four pregnant cocker spaniels. Despite its best efforts, several of the puppies died.
“We really hope that this case will deter others from breeding dogs purely for profit without any concern for their welfare,” said founder Vanessa Waddon.
Support for Lucy’s Law has widespread public support.
Besides the consultation launched by Environment Secretary and dog-lover Michael Gove, a Government e-petition has attracted almost 122,000 signatures and the issue is due to be debated in Parliament on May 21.