Unlicensed Cockapoo Breeder Successfully Prosecuted

Published on: 5 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 8 Aug, 2016

A cockapoo puppy (not one involved in the prosecution case). – Photo Wikipedia

Following a year-long investigation, Guildford’s dog warden has successfully seen an unlicensed dog breeder prosecuted in court. The breeder from Normandy, near Guildford, was convicted of illegally breeding Cockapoos, a cross-breed Cocker Spaniel/Poodle.

The council received complaints from five customers who had purchased cockapoo puppies from Nancy Gray’s home in Normandy. Mrs Gray was selling these for up to £950 each.

Cllr Richard Billington (Con, Tillingbourne), lead councillor for rural economy, countryside, parks and leisure says: “If you are thinking of buying a puppy, please do your research. Ask if the seller has a licence and check with our dog warden. If they are only having a few litters, they may not need a licence, but always check.

“Everyone who buys a puppy should ensure it is vaccinated and microchipped. If you are suspicious or in any doubt, please get in touch with our dog warden via 01483 505050”.

It is an offence under the Breeding and Sale of Dogs Act 1973 to sell dogs without a licence from the local authority. Licensed premises must prove that:

bitches are not to be mated until they are at least 12 months old;
no bitch is permitted to have more than 6 litters in total;
bitches must not give birth to puppies within 12 months of producing a previous litter;
all first time licences must involve the inspection of the premises by a vet as well as the council;
at least one inspection per year by the council or a vet;
a licensed breeder must not sell a dog to a member of the public if he believes that person will then sell the dog on to another individual;
dogs must not be sold under eight weeks of age other than to a licensed pet shop.

Mrs Gray used eight different telephone numbers, five different email addresses and even used a false name to customers whilst selling the puppies. She sold most of her dogs online via a popular selling website.

The dog warden found 33 adverts placed by Mrs Gray on one website alone. Twelve of these adverts were placed during 2015.

She was twice invited into the borough council offices for a tape recorded interview under caution, but refused to comment on both occasions. She produced a prepared statement in which she claimed to be a hobby breeder saying the money she made only covered her costs.

Mrs Gray pleaded guilty at Redhill Magistrates Court on August 2 (2016) to the offence of breeding dogs without a licence. Sentenced to a £2,000 fine and ordered to pay £2,150 costs and a £120 surcharge, she was also disqualified from keeping a breeding establishment for 10 years.