Unlicensed dog boarder sentenced for causing dog's death in Braintree
Miss Sutton has also been fined after a dog died while under her care
A woman from Braintree has avoided prison after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog that died while in her care.
Miss Sutton did not have the required licence as per The Animal Welfare Regulations 2018, despite reminders from Braintree District Council about the legal obligations.
On 2nd August 2024, during a particularly hot day, Sutton left Hero, a six-year-old Leonberger, unattended, causing the dog to die from complications.
Hero weighed 10.5 stones and had a thick double coat, which exacerbated his suffering from the heat.
Leighanne Ship, Hero's owner, praised Braintree District Council for their efforts and described Hero as a comforting therapy dog whose loss has left a void in many lives.
The court case was heard on 15th July 2026 at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, where Sutton was convicted of two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
She received a 26-week suspended sentence, is required to do 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £10,000 in prosecution costs, and a victim surcharge of £154.
Cllr Toby Williams emphasised the importance of using licensed animal boarding providers and urged the public to report any concerns to the council's licensing team.