Chelmsford: Puppy Farm Operators Fined

A couple found guilty of running an illegal puppy farm near Chelmsford have been ordered to pay more than £40,000.

Mr and Mrs Jones, owners of Oaklands New Lodge Farm, Little Baddow, pleaded guilty to offences in April 2013 including operating an unlicensed breeding establishment and unlicensed pet shop.

However, sentencing was delayed pending a Proceeds of Crime Application (POCA), which was made by Chelmsford City Council.

The POCA hearing took place in Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday 16 September 2013.

As a result of the Council’s investigations into their assets, Mr and Mrs Jones were ordered by the court at the hearing on Monday to collectively pay £37,449 within 6 months.

They were also fined an additional £1000 each for the offences of operating an unlicensed breeding establishment and unlicensed pet shop, as well as being ordered to pay £2824.00 costs and a £200 victim surcharge.

The total fines amounted to £42,473.

Councillor Grundy, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “This is the first time that Public Health and Protection Services have used POCA in an animal welfare case and we hope the outcome acts as a deterrent to criminals.

“Licensed premises have to comply with conditions which protect the animals and ensure they are healthy. Illegally breeding and selling puppies causes harm to the animals and distress to people buying sick puppies.

“Chelmsford City Council will continue to ensure that animals are well treated, the public protected, and criminals targeted and prosecuted where possible.”

The City Council began their investigation into activities at Oaklands New Lodge Farm in February 2012.

This followed complaints from members of the public who had purchased puppies from Mr and Mrs Jones and the puppies had become ill.

In response to continued complaints about puppies purchased from the premises, including two that had died of Parvo, council officers undertook a test purchase of a puppy from the premises in September 2012.

This subsequently led to the Council obtaining a warrant from Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and Officers inspected the premises with Essex Police in October 2012.

The Officers found a total of 103 puppies and dogs on the premises, some of which had been bred on the premises and others which had been imported from Ireland.


If any members of the public has any concerns over purchasing a puppy they can contact the Council for advice on 01245 606606 or visit the Council’s website at http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/buying-puppy
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