Cumberland Council has successfully prosecuted a Carlisle resident for selling animals without a license.
Tonicha Grady of Morton, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in Carlisle Magistrates court on 4 July 2024.
On Thursday 15 August, at a sentencing also held at Carlisle Magistrates Court, Ms Grady was fined £300.30, ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge and £300 costs – a total of £634.30.
Cumberland Council’s Environmental Health team became aware of Ms Grady’s illicit activities following a series of adverts posted online advertising the sale of puppies. The adverts contained a license number which had been doctored to conceal an out-of-date license.
Following some investigative work from the Environmental Health team, it became clear that Ms Grady had advertised the sale of four separate litters of puppies without a license.
Cllr Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Policy and Regulatory Services, said: “This illicit activity puts animals and buyers at risk. Anyone selling animals should be fully licensed to do so and must take the utmost care of their animals.
“I’m pleased to see that there was a successful conviction in this case. Cumberland Council will not accept poor welfare standards.
“We hope and believe this prosecution will act as a deterrent to anyone who might be considering treating animals in this way.”
When purchasing an animal, such as a puppy, it’s vitally important to check that the seller is licensed. You can do this by looking on the Cumberland Council website or by emailing animallicensing@cumberland.gov.uk.
To report a seller who you believe is unlicensed, or mistreating animals, contact Environmental Health at animallicensing@cumberland.gov.uk.