Successful prosecution for breeding and selling dogs without a licence

Selby District Council has successfully prosecuted a man for breeding and selling dogs without a licence.

Herbert Timm, appeared at York Magistrates Court today, Tuesday 14 February 2023. He was charged with breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs, without a licence contrary to Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He was found guilty and received a fine of £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34, to pay the Council’s costs and is disqualified from dealing with dogs for 5 years.

The breeding and sales took place at Low Farm, Lowfield Road, Monk Fryston. Selby District Council were alerted by a member of the public who raised concerns after viewing a puppy. Further investigations found multiple advertisements of dogs and puppies being advertised.

Cllr Richard Sweeting, chairman of the licensing committee, commented: “Animal welfare is an important part of our duty to ensure animals are treated humanely, responsibly, and with respect.

“Anyone going to purchase a puppy should make sure that they see the puppies and the mother together. Paperwork should be checked to make sure puppies are at least eight weeks old before they leave their mother and to make sure they are microchipped. If anyone has concerns, they should report them to us so we can investigate.

Councillor Tim Grogan, lead executive member for health and culture, added: “This result is a clear reminder to people who breed dogs without a licence that they should operate by the rules that are in place to protect the welfare of dogs and if you don’t then we will prosecute.”

The Council holds a Public Register which lists the licensed animal welfare establishments within the Council’s district boundary, and their star rating issued in accordance with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. This can be viewed here: www.selby.gov.uk/list-licence-holders.