A FRENCHAY woman has been ordered to pay more than £4,000 in fines and costs after she admitted breeding puppies without a licence.
Bristol City Council said its trading standards animal health team launched an investigation last year, after complaints that Eloise Templar had been breeding and selling high value puppies without a licence from her council-owned home address since 2023.
Investigators found that breeding and sales of puppies such as Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle cross) without a licence were regularly taking place at the property, with each puppy being advertised at a cost of around £1,400.
The council said Templar had received previous warnings but continued with the sales.
She was charged with breeding and selling puppies from her home address without the appropriate licence under the Animal Welfare Act and pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates Court in September.
Templar was fined £1,442, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £577 and £2,000 towards the council’s costs.
Council public health and communities committee chair Stephen Williams said: ” I welcome the magistrates’ decision and thank our Animal Health Team for their hard work and dedication in bringing this case before the courts.
“This prosecution sends a clear message that we will take decisive action wherever there is evidence of poor animal welfare standards and will pursue anyone who breeds and sells animals without the appropriate licence.
“Anyone looking to buy a puppy or other pet should always check that the breeder is properly licensed before making a purchase so that you can be confident that the animal has been bred and cared for in line with health and welfare standards.”
People are being urged to report unlicensed breeders to Animalhealth@southglos.gov.uk in South Glos and animal.health@bristol.gov.uk in Bristol.