A man has been sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work and made to pay £1000 costs for illegally importing and selling puppies.
Simon Lawrence, of Gresham Road, East Ham, was sentenced at Stratford Magistrates’ court, following an investigation by Newham Council Animal Welfare Officers.
Lawrence was charged under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, for illegally importing, and advertising for sale, £68,850 worth of puppies.
In addition to being sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work and made to pay £1000 costs, Lawrence must pay a £95 statutory surcharge and is disqualified for keeping or owning any dogs for a period of five years.
Councillor James Beckles, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety, London Borough of Newham Council, said: “Our officers were alerted by a member of the public who reported their concerns for the puppies’ welfare following a visit to Mr Lawrence’s address.
“Mr Lawrence has been dealt with robustly by the courts and this should serve as a warning to anyone intending to operate in this manner.
“We thank the individual who alerted our officers and encourage people to report any concerns relating to animal welfare or potential illegal activity, safe in the knowledge that it will be thoroughly investigated.”
To report an issue relating to animal welfare or any public health and safety concerns, please visit www.newham.gov.uk/public-health-safety or call 020 8430 2000.