Report reveals investigation launched into illegal pet traders in Telford
Trading standards officers in Telford & Wrekin have launched investigations into people thought to be buying and selling pets without licences.
Trading standards officers in Telford & Wrekin have launched investigations into people thought to be buying and selling pets without licences, a report states.
Next week councillors are set to receive their annual corporate anti-fraud and corruption report which outlines work carried out by various Telford & Wrekin Council officials over the last year.
Trading Standards officers, who enforce consumer protection laws, are set to update councillors on the work they have been involved in to tackle fraud and fraudulent trading across the borough.
“Following referrals from colleagues in licensing, the team has also begun investigations into individuals running a business buying and selling pet animals without holding necessary licenses,” the report reads.
“The scale of the operation suggests a fraudulent business may be being operated.
“Enquiries are ongoing, with valuable input from the accredited financial investigator.”
During the year the council officers have “once again” been heavily involved in work tackling the supply of counterfeit and illicit tobacco and vapes.
The report reads: “As a result of this work, one premises has closed down and been evicted by the landlord, with work ongoing to deal with similar businesses in the borough who exist primarily to sell such products.”
Council officials are also set to update members of the audit committee on other aspects of their anti fraud and corruption work at a meeting held in public on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.