Cumberland Council has successfully prosecuted a Kirklinton-based dog breeder for breach of their licence.
Jackie Storey of Kirklinton, Carlisle, owner of Cumbria Cockerpoos, pleaded guilty to a breach of licence conditions under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018 in Carlisle Magistrates court on Thursday 3 October 2024.
Mrs Storey was fined £200, ordered to pay a £80 victim surcharge and £300 costs – a total of £580. Cumberland Council’s Environmental Health team became aware of the poor conditions at Cumbria Cockerpoos following an anonymous call which detailed dirty and cramped conditions.
Following an inspection from a Cumberland Council Environmental Health Officer, it was obvious that the numbers of dogs and puppies kept on the premises exceeded the maximum that was reasonable considering the facilities and staffing on the premises.
Due the number of dogs on the premises and lack of staffing, the dogs’ needs were not able to be met – resulting in no water or dirty water in kennels, not enough or no bedding in kennels, overcrowding in spaces and strong smells of urine throughout the site.
Cumberland Council’s Assistant Director of Public Health and Protection, Graeme Wilson, said: “Cumberland Council upholds the stipulations of licences for a reason; to ensure that there is an appropriate level of care for animals throughout the area. These licences and the agreements within them should be totally adhered to and not ignored.
“I’m pleased to see that there was a successful prosecution in this case. Cumberland Council will not accept poor welfare standards in any case.
“We hope and believe that this prosecution will act as a deterrent to anyone who might be considering treating animals in this way”.
Mrs Storey has been reported to the RSPCA and will receive unannounced follow-up visits to ensure animal welfare is met.
To report dog sellers or kennels who you believe are unlicensed, or mistreating animals, contact Cumberland Council’s Environmental Health team at animallicensing@cumberland.gov.uk