Well done to Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service who have assisted in the prosecution of two people who unlawfully transported and sold 43 puppies.
Hampshire Trading Standards recently assisted Southampton City Council with an investigation of this nature, whereby puppies were fraudulently being entered into the UK using the PETS scheme when in fact they were for onward sale.
Despite previous advice 43 puppies were found to have been brought in during the period October 2020 – August 2021. The sellers were neither an authorised transporter, nor licenced to sell dogs in the UK. Puppies were sold using more than one online sales platform and account, and money laundering offence were committed.
This case was heard at Southampton Crown Court and sentenced on 21st April 2022. The two defendants pleaded guilty sentenced to 18 months custodial reduced to 12 months for early plea, suspended for 2yrs, and 12 months custodial reduced to 9 months for early plea, suspended for 2yrs. This demonstrates how seriously the courts take such action.
It can often be tempting even if you know something isn’t quite right to give that puppy a new home, to rescue it as such, however by doing so you are feeding the system as that is exactly what some illegal sellers pray upon. It is best to walk away and report your suspicions for the health of the puppy, their mother and potential future litters.
Find out what you should look out for when purchasing a pet here: https://getyourpetsafely.campaign.gov.uk
You should report suspect unlicenced breeders to your local District/Borough or Unitary Council Animal Licencing Team. If you believe an animal has been falsely advertised or illegally imported, you should report this to your County or Unitary Council Trading Standards Team.
You can read more about Hampshire County Council's advice here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/.../news/unscrupulous-breeders
