Woman fined over unlicensed puppy breeding operation in Frenchay
Elosie Templar ordered to pay over £4,000 after pleading guilty in court
A woman from Frenchay has been fined over £4,000 after admitting to charges related to unlicensed puppy breeding at her home.
The prosecution took place on 28th September at Bristol Magistrates Court, where Elosie Templar pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Trading Standards' Animal Health Team conducted the investigation that revealed the ongoing breeding and selling of puppies, including Cavapoos, from her council-owned home without the necessary licence.
Despite prior warnings, Templar continued her activities, advertising each puppy for approximately £1,400.
Following the guilty verdict, the court imposed a £1,442 fine, a £577 Victim Surcharge, and ordered her to pay £2,000 towards the council's legal costs.
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, expressed his approval of the court's decision.
Williams praised the Animal Health Team for their work and stated, “This prosecution sends a clear message that we will take decisive action wherever there is evidence of poor animal welfare standards and will pursue anyone who breeds and sells animals without the appropriate licence."
He advised potential pet buyers to confirm breeders are properly licensed to assure animals are raised in line with health and welfare standards.
Authorities urge anyone in Bristol who encounters dog breeders or sellers without licence details to report them to [email protected] .
Under English law, dog breeding and selling is a licensable activity if three or more litters are bred within a year and puppies are sold, or if the breeding operation is run as a business.