Five-Year Investigation Reveals ‘Heart-Breaking’ Dog Breeding Operation

Published on: 11 Apr, 2025
Updated on: 11 Apr, 2025

The defendants advertised puppies under assumed names. (Stock picture)

Two people from Normandy have been convicted of running a dog breeding establishment without a licence following a five-year investigation by Guildford Borough Council.

They advertised puppies using a variety of fake names and different phone numbers, Guildford Crown Court heard. The judge commented that “this was a big operation” involving many thousands of pounds.

The council said afterwards that the victims included families who had bought puppies which became sick. “This is heart-breaking and costly for those dog owners,” said a leading councillor.

Philip Gray, of Pirbright Road, Normandy, received a two month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay costs of £25,000.

Victims who testified in the case received compensation totalling £5,900. Gray was disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

Dr Louise Keenan, of the same address, also received a two month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was ordered to pay compensation of £39 to one of the victims.

Both defendants were also ordered to pay the Victim Surcharge.

The sentencing judge at Guildford Crown Court, Mr Recorder S Levene, said he was satisfied that both defendants knew a licence was required for their activities and that they knew that what they were doing was illegal.

There were £124,000 worth of puppy sales from the business due to a sudden increased demand for puppies during Covid. Although the judge accepted that the vet’s bills were high, he stated that this was a lot of income for a few months.

During the sentencing hearing, the Judge commented that he had no doubt that the business would have continued, had the forces of law and order not intervened.

He noted that there was a £1.3 million property tied up in this business and that the defendants were turning this into a substantial business and an additional related building was being constructed.

He noted the defendants lied to the police and others by claiming the dogs were their pets. The court heard that they advertised the puppies using a variety of fake names and different phone numbers. The judge commented that this was a big operation.

The council’s Lead Councillor for Regulatory and Democratic Services, Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, who is a qualified vet, said: “The victims in this case include families who had bought puppies which became sick. This is heart-breaking and costly for those dog owners. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to secure compensation for them, but this will never truly make up for the emotional distress they’ve experienced.

“This case has taken five years to bring to a conclusion. It shows the diligent work of our Animal Licensing team and their tenacity to see a case through. I’m in awe of the hard work that our teams have put into this.

“I hope that this will shine a light on an industry that needs to be closed down permanently.”

By raising awareness of this case, the council hopes to prevent people inadvertently using irresponsible dog breeders. If anyone has any concerns about dog breeders in Guildford Borough, they can report this on the council’s website.

The council offered these tips for people thinking of buying a puppy

• do your research.
• ask if the seller has a licence
• ask to see the puppy with its mother in the environment in which they are born and kept
• check with your local council if you’re in any doubt
• if the seller hasn’t got a licence ask them why
  (If the seller is only having a few litters, they may not need a licence, but always check)
• if you’re suspicious or in any doubt, about dog breeders in Guildford Borough, report this on the council website https://www.guildford.gov.uk/contact or get in touch with the council’s Customer Services team on 01483 505050

More information about animal activity licencing is on the Guildford Borough website: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/animallicensing

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